Francis Ford Coppola, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “The Godfather,” has expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by a devastating earthquake, recalling his time in the country while filming another cinema classic, “Apocalypse Now.”
In an Instagram post, Coppola wrote: “My heart goes out to those in the Philippines who experienced a tragic earthquake yesterday.”
The legendary director reflected on the kindness of the Filipino people and paid special tribute to the indigenous Ifugao people, known for building and cultivating the world-famous rice terraces in the mountainous Cordillera region.
“The indigenous Ifugao people of the Philippines’ mountainous Cordillera region built and cultivated the famous, ancient rice terraces. They helped me make Apocalypse Now along with the Filipino people, and I will forever be grateful to all of them and wish them well during this terrible calamity.”
Coppola also shared personal photographs from his time in the Philippines, including images of himself with young Ifugao community members and local spiritual leaders whom he met during the film’s production.
“These were the most wonderful people and I’m sure they are in great danger and suffering now.”
The filmmaker encouraged his followers to support relief efforts, noting that he had included a donation link to the Philippine Red Cross in his social media story.
“I have attached a link in my story to donate directly to the Philippines Red Cross if you would like to join me in helping these wonderful people in need.”
Coppola, one of the most influential directors in cinema history, is best known for directing acclaimed classics such as The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
