from Mindanao to the world - the Southern Voices Film Lab

The Philippines has never been short of film artistry, but more can be done to broaden the diversity of our stories. There's always a center of filming and arts in a country such as Hollywood in the United States, Mumbai in India, and in our case, Metro Manila. But we can't deny that there are also rich and promising narratives in the fringes.

My birthday wish come true NOTES FROM THE CHAIR

They say that life begins at 40. If you asked me in the past, this means having a celebration that's bigger than my usual ones. So before the pandemic, I had originally planned on something big to mark this milestone.

Vaccination - the key to the film and AV industry's full recovery

Fifteen months have passed since the declaration of a national state of calamity in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems like a short period of time - just over a year - yet, we have a film and audiovisual (AV) industry that continuous to be gravely affected by the lockdown and necessary restrictions.

How cinema stands up for freedom and pride

I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. My husband, Ice Seguerra, is a transman, and we belong to a transgender family. We have been married for seven years, withstanding the harsh judgments because we choose to be real and true to who we are.

The joy of public service

For over a year now, this column has been a platform for updates on the film industry, including the projects and programs of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Whenever I share with you something new from the national film agency every Sunday, I focus on how it would contribute to Philippine Cinema. This time around, I'd like to put the spotlight on the people that make up the FDCP.

Kidlat Tahimik, Lapulapu, and discovering our local heroes

Victory and humanity - these two words make up the theme of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, which mark the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan on April 27 and the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world from March 16 to October 28.

Philippine Cinema continues to go global in 2021

It's the second to the last Sunday of May, and just like that, we are almost halfway through the year. Philippine Cinema continues to be tested by the various quarantine restrictions that hamper operations in development, pre-production, principal photography, post-production, distribution, and exhibition. Yet, our industry remains thriving because of the resolve of our filmmakers and workers to continue with content creation.

From great beginnings to contemporary showcase

Yesterday, May 15, was the birth anniversary of the Father of Philippine Cinema, José Nepomuceno who was born on 1893 in Quiapo, Manila. It was also on May 15 when Don José established Malayan Movies, later renamed Nepomuceno Productions, in 1917.

Nepomuceno was hailed as the Father of Philippine Movies because he was the one who started it all. As the formidable figure of the Philippine silent cinema era, he produced and directed “Dalagang Bukid” starring Atang de la Rama and Marceliano Ilagan, the first Filipino-produced and directed feature film.

European Film Market / Berlinale

The European Film Market is one of the top three meeting places of the international film and media industries. Its close links with the Berlinale as a public film festival, and its position at the heart of Berlin’s vivid creative economy, are defining characteristics of the Berlinale’s film market. Yet the EFM is more than just an agile marketplace for trading film and audiovisual content – it has also positioned itself as a platform for innovation and change.

Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART)

The Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) is the largest marketplace in Asia for the entertainment industry, covering various aspects along the value chain which include TV, digital entertainment, documentary, distribution, production, post-production, shooting locations, film & broadcasting equipment, film financing, etc. Internationally renowned producers, distributors, investors and professionals use FILMART to launch promotions, network with key industry players and negotiate deals.