CANNES, FRANCE: The 74th Cannes Film Festival has just wrapped up, and it's admirable how the world's largest international film festival resumed operations while ensuring everyone's safety amid the pandemic.

Events and programs that are sponsored and partnered by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) may have been postponed in light of the community quarantine and national state of calamity due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But the FDCP has ensured the continuity of its services by implementing alternative work arrangements composed of a work-from-home setup and an onsite skeletal team.

Everything was set for the various film festivals in the regions that were scheduled this year. Some film fests were about to announce their Call for Entries, while others were already finalizing plans when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)  pandemic happened. The public health emergency called for the declaration of a national state of calamity, and mass gatherings were prohibited in order to contain the virus. This meant the postponement or cancellation of all film events in the country, including the regional film festivals. 

Don’t be daunted! Although the many forms and requirements under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) regarding health and safety protocols for audiovisual production shoots may seem intimidating, registering your production shoot is actually easier than it looks!

Out of the nine downloadable forms under the JAO, there are actually only two forms required to be submitted for Safe Filming registration. These are Forms 1 and 3, or the Production Registration form and the Health and Safety Commitment Declaration Form.

1. DTI-DOLE-DOH Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2021 - 0001 2. Memorandum from the Executive Secretary on the Imposition of ECQ in NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal (March 29-April 4) 3. IATF Resolution No.106-B