MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 3, 2022 — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) held the “Filmmakers and Shakers Night” last September 30, 2022, to officially conclude the 2nd Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) at the Gallery MiraNila in Quezon City.

Congruent to its new vision, “Philippine Movies… FTW! (Philippine Movies… for the World),” the FDCP announced its upcoming programs and projects for filmmakers and industry stakeholders.

New programs Academic Film Society (AFS) and Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP) under the FDCP’s Development Support Division are geared towards supporting student filmmakers with their thesis films and their further development towards careers in film.                   

JuanFlix, the online streaming platform formerly called the FDCP Channel, will be launched this November with the theme “Sineng Pinoy, Sining Pinoy.” 

FDCP’s FilmPhilippines Office presented the list of grantees for their Incentives Program Cycle 2 of 2022, which are as follows: Tikkoun, Hazbin Hotel, and  Ikohlanta ’23 for the Film Location Incentives Program (FLIP); Sam, Cangrejos, and Apag, for the International Co-production Fund (ICOF); and Viet and Nam for the ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF).

The CreatePH program also introduced new features of the incentive program to encourage more local production of Filipino films and ensure support to filmmakers in all stages of development of their films.

The International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) returns as a hybrid event this November,  in partnership with the QCinema International Film Festival. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the unveiling of the Philippine entry to the 95th Academy Awards (Oscars). On the Job: The Missing 8 directed by Erik Matti is the country’s official entry to the  Best International Feature Film category, selected by the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI). The multi-awarded film was represented by producer Dondon Monteverde during the announcement.

FDCP Consultant, Director Jose Javier Reyes with DGPI President Paolo Villaluna during the announcement of this year’s PH Oscar entry

“What was most important to me was the mutual promise that we would all start working together, to help each other out. This is the spirit that has kept me aflame all throughout Philippine Film Industry Month—the willingness to help, collaborate, and support each other is much more than what I expected coming into this job. It’s because I know, FDCP cannot do it alone.” FDCP Chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III said in his opening remarks.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Robi Domingo

The celebration, hosted by Robi Domingo, featured performances from Lara Maigue, Poppert Bernadas, Geneva Cruz, Ana Feleo, Jeffrey Hidalgo and The Company. 

From left to right: Performers Ana Feleo, Poppert Bernadas, Lara Maigue, FDCP Chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III, Geneva Cruz, and Jeffrey Hidalgo singing the PFIM theme song, “Sa Pelikula,” with lyrics by Jose Javier Reyes and music by Emerzon Texon

The event included a tribute to Ms. Gloria Sevilla, Queen of Visayan Movies and Ms. Susan Roses, Queen of Philippine Movies, to celebrate their valuable contribution to the industry.

Actor Ivan Padilla received recognition on behalf of his grandmother, Ms. Gloria Sevilla, on his right is FDCP Chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III

Family of Ms. Susan Roces, closest nephews Jeffrey Sonora, Joseph Sonora, Ritchi Santos, Daniel Lipayon and niece, Julie Lipayon receiving recognition from FDCP Executives

Among the guests who attended the event were National Artist Ricky Lee, Cinemalaya Foundation President Laurice Guillen, Optical Media Board (OMB) Executive Paolo Paraiso, actor Ivan Padilla, film director and educator Jose Javier Reyes, Hon. ER Ejercito, actor Jerome Ponce, actress Jasmine Curtis, representatives from various production companies, representatives from the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc (DGPI), the Filipino Screenwriters Guild, the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP),  actors, filmmakers, and other industry stakeholders.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee

Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith with FDCP Chairperson and CEO Tirso Cruz III