The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has barreled through film industries the world over. The chilling effects of cinema shutdowns due to the novel coronavirus were felt throughout Asia, and even the formidable US box office was not spared.

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. 

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.

Key figures from film, the arts, and government selected the FilmPhilippines grantees for 2020

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 — The first three cycles of the FilmPhilippines Incentives Program of the FilmPhilippines Office, which is administered by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), saw the selection of eight grantees.

Meticulous selection meetings were held for the three cycles, with five esteemed figures in the film industry, the arts, and government service comprising the FilmPhilippines Deliberation Committee:

The announcement of the three awardees caps off the inaugural year of the Film Location Incentive Program and International Co-production Fund

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 18, 2021 — In the third and final cycle of the FilmPhilippines Incentives Program for 2020, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chose one grantee of the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP) and two awardees of the International Co-production Fund (ICOF).

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 30, 2020 — On a night centered around the celebration and excellence of Philippine Cinema at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) introduced its latest program, the ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF), formed to further strengthen the Philippine Film Industry through international collaborations with neighboring countries in the ASEAN region.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, AUGUST 21, 2020 — Four international productions, with two shot in the Philippines and another two co-produced with a Philippine company, are the first recipients of incentives from the FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Through the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), the Filipino line producers of “Almost Paradise” and “Survivor Russia” will receive a 20% cash rebate on their Qualified Philippine Production Expenses (QPPE). The minimum spending requirement is PHP 8 million.