Article by: Reine Amabel J. Jaruda
Photo by: Aliza Belle C. Dayao
In celebration of the Philippine Film Industry month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) held a forum entitled “The Status of Film Movement in the Philippines” for filmmakers and educators at the Cinematheque Centre Manila last September 24.
The speakers at the forum were Jose Javier Reyes, Chairman of the Digital Film program at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Sockie Fernandez, a Freelance Director and President of a Content Creation Company as well as a lecturer at St. Scholastica’s College Manila, and Sheryl Rose Andes, a professor at Mapúa University’s School of Media Studies. The filmmaker-educators discussed topics regarding the current state of film education in the country, especially at the tertiary level. Additionally, they shared their thoughts on the challenges that film students are re facing today.
Director Fernandez encouraged the next generation of filmmakers to use their chosen field for the greater good. “You can actually inject something that will make the world a better place,” she said.
As the event was meant to be an engaging discussion, the speakers asked students about their insights on the topics in the forum as well. They emphasized their hope in the generation of budding filmmakers to maintain their integrity against spreading misinformation as they believe that film goes beyond mere entertainment.
Students from Mapúa University, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Far Eastern University, Assumption College, Trinity University of Asia, Adamson University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and the University of Santo Tomas, among others, participated in the forum.
The forum was held in conjunction with FDCP’s Uflix screening which featured short films from students of Mapúa University and Far Eastern University at the Cinematheque Centre Manila while student films from the University of the Philippines Visayas, San Pedro College, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao were screened at the Cinematheques Iloilo and Negros. Furthermore, the Nabunturan Centre showcased student films from Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School. The screening was meant to be a platform for student filmmakers to exhibit their work through various FDCP Cinematheques nationwide.
Mapúan short films shown at the screen were “Don't Touch the Bay-ags" by Yeng Garcia, “Hanap Bahay” by Hannah Nieva, “Cut/Off” by Von Viernes and Sean Romero, “Lace” by Adam Dumaguin, “Rambutan” by Shayla Perales and Mae Tanagon, “Parang Bakla, Parang Lang Naman, Hehe” directed by Bea Arguelles, “Mara” by Pau Dacop, “Purr” by Mark Legaspi, “Kiss Don't Tell” by Allen Saflor, “First Day” by Elian Idioma and Ryem Panganiban, and “Unti-unti” directed by Aliyah Balderama.
Emphasizing his belief in the future of film, Director Reyes stated that “ [The film] industry will not die, but it will evolve.”