MANILA, PHILIPPINES, MAY 17, 2021 — In line with its thrust to promote Filipino documentary films and projects around the world, for the first time, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has partnered with the 28th edition of the Sheffield Doc/Fest to bring a country of up-and-coming documentary projects looking for international partners.

A world-renowned festival, the Sheffield Doc/Fest is run by the International Documentary Festival Sheffield, an independent charity organization whose goal is to advance the art of film, education, and training in documentary filmmaking.

The Philippine delegation comprises both up-and-coming and experienced documentary filmmakers selected by the FDCP. Last March 2021, the FDCP had an open call for applications from interested documentary filmmakers with docu-projects in development.

The official Philippine Delegation members for Sheffield Doc/Fest 2021 are as follows:

• “CUTS PH” by Jaime Pacena II and Kean Cipriano
• “Futu Ana Fuki” by Jerome Dulin
• "Lasang Ug Lumad (Lumads and Woodlands)" by Marvin Lyndon Carmelo Matias
• “Last Time I Held Your Hands” by Kristoffer Brugada
• “Leading Lady” by Eloisa Espino-Sanchez
• “People of the Lake” by Shirin Bhandari
• “The Invisibles” by Bryan Kristoffer Brazil

The Sheffield Doc/Fest will be from June 4 to 13, 2021, through a hybrid festival format with the opportunity for audiences to join virtually. Delegation participants will have priority access to Industry Round Tables, a chance to meet industry representatives and decision-makers in a series of round table meetings. They will also gain access to observe the Work-in-progress Showcase and Country Spotlight Documentary Showcase. 

Delegation members will also be given a half-day virtual Pitch Training Workshop, a Bespoke Seminar Workshop to help them navigate the international market, and a Bespoke Festival Roadmap, a personalized guide highlighting the films, industry sessions, round table meetings, and opportunities to attend. 

“Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the top documentary festivals globally, creating a platform to tackle relevant issues and create compelling stories. It has featured competitive Filipino documentary filmmakers on an international scale such as Alyx Ayn Arumpac for ‘Aswang’ and Cha Escala for ‘Remnants of a Revolution.’ Sheffield continues to develop and nurture diverse talents and I believe that this partnership will enable our Filipino documentary filmmakers to further challenge themselves, diversify, and gain more experience in documentary filmmaking,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Sheffield Doc/Fest continues to offer inclusive opportunities for documentary filmmakers worldwide, bringing in new voices, unconventional styles, and untold stories to light. For more information, visit sheffdocfest.com.