The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the country’s national film agency, continues its thrust to strengthen regional cooperation for the development of the audiovisual industry as it participated in the recently concluded Roundtable for the proposed ASEAN-ROK Film Cooperation Organization last November 6 to 7, 2019 in Busan, South Korea.

For the first time in 37 years, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) joins the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) in co-organizing the prestigious Luna Awards, which is regarded as the Philippine counterpart of the Academy Awards. The partnership between FDCP and FAP shows their commitment to work hand-in-hand in ensuring competence and excellence in the Philippine movie industry. The Luna Awards has a distinct voting process because nominees are voted for by their peers—nominees per category are voted for by industry professionals from the same sector.

In celebration of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, as well as the 100 Years of Philippine Cinema, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore has mounted the inaugural Philippine Film Festival. Pinoy and foreign cinephiles are in for a treat from November 12 to 15 as there is a special screening of “Mr. and Mrs. Cruz” as well as free screenings of “Seven Sundays,” “Bakwit Boys” and “Siargao” at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House of National University of Singapore (NUS).

Be mentored by seasoned local filmmakers by attending the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Film School Basic Workshops on Filmmaking this coming November 16 to 17, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Cagayan and Davao. FDCP, the country’s film agency, conducts filmmaking workshops under the Film Development Support Division (FDSD) to make learning filmmaking more accessible and to elevate the quality of films in the country.

The support for Philippine Cinema has intensified worldwide over the past couple of years as various Philippine Embassies and Consulates have held film festivals to highlight the country's cinematic achievements. The latest film champion supporting the 100 Years of PH Cinema is the Philippine Embassy in Portugal with Ambassador Celia Anna “Cookie” Feria at the helm. 

Two Filipino productions were screened for the first time internationally at the 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival in Japan (TIFFJP). Erik Matti’s “Food Lore: Island of Dreams” was part of the World Focus Powered by Aniplex Inc. lineup while Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s “Untrue” was included in The Japan Foundation Asia Center presents CROSSCUT ASIA #06: Fantastic Southeast Asia.