FDCP sponsored the “Screen Talk: Asian Production Bounces Back” webinar and host the virtual Philippine Cinema Night

THE Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is also the organizer of the Philippine Cinema Night as well as the sponsor of the webinar “Screen Talk: Asian Production Bounces Back” featuring FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño as one of the speakers.

Another online event of the FDCP during the BIFF is the Philippine Cinema Night on October 27. This Zoom conference will gather government guests, filmmakers, and local and international industry movers in celebration of the Filipino film industry’s participation in BIFF.  

Welcoming Addresses will be delivered by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat while the Opening  Address is courtesy of FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

Through the Philippine Cinema Night, the FDCP will recognize the filmmakers who made it to the prestigious BIFF Official selection as well as the APM participants and ACFM delegates. 

Moreover, the FDCP will have a presentation on QuaranCinema Productions, which are Philippine works that were ideated, created, and screened during the pandemic lockdown. The short film “Heneral Rizal” of  Tanghalang Pilipino and Voyage Studios and the online series “Taguan” of TBA Studios are among the featured works.

Other QuaranCinema Productions are “Lolo Doc, Lola Doc & Ang Dalawang Junior” of Tanghalang Pilipino and Voyage Studios, “Pamanang Pahina” of Tanghalang Pilipino and Anino Shadowplay Collective,  “Oh My Sexual” of Taurean Pictures and Greenlight Studios, “Hello, Stranger” of Black Sheep, and “Gaya Sa Pelikula” of Globe Studios.

Another highlight of the Philippine Cinema Night is the presentation of the ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF), the latest initiative of the FDCP’s FilmPhilippines Incentives Program.

This selective fund will grant up to USD 150,000 to feature film co-productions of companies from the Philippines with companies from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ACOF flyers are also made available at the virtual Philippine Pavilion at the ACFM.

The ACOF launch shows how the BIFF has been a crucial platform for the global track of Philippine Cinema. In 2018, the Philippines was named as the Country of Focus while in 2019, the FDCP launched the “Let’s Create Together!” campaign, a partnership with the DOT.    

Finally, the FDCP is the sponsor of the ScreenDaily Talks Live Q&A series webinar entitled “Screen Talk: Asian Production Bounces Back.” It will feature FDCP Chairperson Diño, Singaporean producer and screenwriter Jeremy Chua, South Korean producer Kim Hyo-jeon, and Hong Kong-based producer and production director Jacqueline Liu.

Diño and her fellow speakers will talk about safe filming protocols, production practices in the new normal, film financing trends in Asia, and tips on securing co-production deals during the pandemic. The ScreenDaily Talks webinar, which will be held on October 26, will have Screen International Contributing Editor Wendy Mitchell as the moderator. 

The Philippines is among the 68 countries participating in this year’s BIFF, which is among the largest and most significant film festivals in Asia. Most of the BIFF events are online along with the Asian Film Awards, Forum BIFF, and Asia Contents Awards. 

  

FDCP Leads Philippine Delegation to 'Busan International Film Festival 2020'

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 25, 2020 — Four films, one film project, and 10 production companies are among the representatives of Philippine Cinema in the 25th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea.

“Death of Nintendo” by Raya Martin, “Cleaners” by Karl Glenn Barit, “How to Die Young in Manila” by Petersen Vargas, and “Kids on Fire” by Kyle Nieva are part of the BIFF Official Selection.

        Sheron Dayoc’s “6th Finger” is the only Filipino project in Busan this year while 10 production companies are part of the Philippine Pavilion spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

        “The Busan International Film Festival has been a crucial platform for the global track of the Filipino film industry. This year, the FDCP continues to be one with the BIFF in promoting Asian Cinema especially amid the COVID-19 crisis,” said Diño.

The BIFF, which runs from October 21 to 30, has limited film screenings in Busan while the programs and events concurrent with the festival have been migrated online. 

 

Filipino films show unique local flavor

Of the 192 films in the BIFF Official Selection, the Philippines is represented by two full-length features and two short films. The four Filipino titles have one screening each at the Busan Cinema Center.

“Death of Nintendo” by Raya Martin, a Philippines-United States production that had its world premiere in Berlinale 2020, is part of the A Window on Asian Cinema section together with Karl Glenn Barit’s “Cleaners,” which had its international premiere in Busan on October 21. 

Both coming-of-age films were selected for A Window on Asian Cinema to demonstrate different visions and styles of filmmakers from Asia. “Death of Nintendo” will be shown at the Haneulyeon Theater on October 27.

The two Filipino shorts, “How to Die Young in Manila” by Petersen Vargas and “Kids on Fire” by Kyle Nieva, are in the Asian Short Film Competition of the Wide Angle section for short films, experimental films, and documentaries that show a vast range of cinematic viewpoints and a marked vision.

“How to Die on October 28 while “Kids on Fire” will be shown on October 29. Both shorts, which also deal with the struggles and issues concerning the youth, will be screened in Cinema 2. 

Asian Project Market seeks to boost international collaborations

The FDCP wishes to promote technical and cultural exchanges among local filmmakers and their global counterparts, and one way of doing so is through project market participations.

The Asian Project Market (APM), which will be held online from October 26 to 28, gathers emerging filmmakers of feature film projects so that they can meet international investors, producers, and distributors and land co-production opportunities.

Lone Filipino project “6th Finger,” which has Sheron Dayoc as director and Alemberg Ang as producer, aims to garner international partnerships while it is still in the development stage. 

The project under VY/AC Productions and Southern Lantern Studios revolves around a 10-year old boy with a sixth finger, who has been subjected to bullying. He comes from a remote village where a mysterious plague takes the lives of children.

JODI at DIMPLES, pinalalaganap ang pagmamalasakit kontra COVID-19

KAHIT tapos na ang quarantine period sa maraming lugar at unti-unti ay sumusubok ang mga tao na ipagpatuloy ang buhay sa ilalim ng new normal ay may takot at alinlangan pa rin ang karamihan dahil sa banta ng COVID-19.

Nakalulungkot lang minsan, na habang ingat na ingat ka at sumusunod sa health and safety protocols na inilabas ng Department of Health (DOH) ay may mga ilan, o minsan pa nga ay marami, na hindi pa rin sumusunod o ‘di naman kaya ay nakakalimutang sundin ang guidelines para makaiwas sa sakit o para hindi makahawa.

Kaya very timely and relevant ang bagong public service campaign ng Unilab, Inc. na may pamagat na "Malasakit Para Sa Isa’t Isa." Layunin nito na paigtingin ang nasimulang kampanya ng DOH laban sa coronavirus.

Kaya naman ang mga brand ambassador ng Unilab na sina Jodi Sta. Maria at Dimples Romana ay nag-post din ng nasabing public service ad sa kani-kanilang social media pages upang palaganapin ang mensahe nito na talaga namang akmang-akma sa kasalukuyang panahon ng pandemya.

Patuloy namang umaani ng mga biyaya ang dalawang mahuhusay na aktres na sa kabila ng mga nangyayari hindi lang sa mundo ng showbiz kundi pati na rin sa buong mundo mismo ay nagbibigay sila ng inspiration bukod sa mga paalala.

Si Jodi ang kasalukuyang mukha ng Biogesic at Biogesic for Kids nitong huling anim na taon, habang si Dimples naman ay ang isa sa pinakabagong kapamilya ng Unilab na ngayo’y nag-e-endorso na ng pambatang Solmux kasama ang napakabibo niyang anak na si Alonzo.

Malalim ang mensahe ng kampanya ng Unilab dahil hindi lamang ito tungkol sa mga protocol. Tungkol din ito sa pagkakaroon ng malasakit na sabihan ang iba kung sila ay nakakalimot na sumunod. Magalang na pagpapaalala at may ngiti sa labi dahil ginagawa ito ng may tunay na pag-aalala para sa iba. 

Naiiba talaga itong kampanya dahil hindi lang nakatuon sa pansarili kundi para sa lahat.  Na kahit anong ingat mo, pero paano ang iba na kailangan ng paalala, lalo na  yung mga pasaway. At kung sakali man na ikaw naman ang makalimot, hindi mo ba gugustuhin na may magpaalala rin sa’yo?

Maliit na bagay lang ito kung tutuusin pero kung ang lahat ng tao ay magiging ganito ang pananaw sa health and safety protocol, ang magmalasakit na paalalahanan ang mga nakakalimot ay  malaki ang magiging impact nito sa patuloy na laban kontra COVID-19. 

Romance and Mystery on GMA’s ‘I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly.’

What do you do if someone from your painful past comes back to your new and well-adjusted life? Will you trust that person again for what it’s worth or will you turn to your newfound love to help you escape from a resurfacing traumatic experience?

This October 19, GMA Network encapsulates the viewers' curiosity with a romantic and thrilling story between three mysterious individuals in the fourth installment of the unique drama anthology ‘I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly.’ on the Telebabad block.

Set to bring passion with a tinge of thrill to primetime TV viewing this Monday are the highly-talented stars of ‘Truly. Madly. Deadly.’ - Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo, versatile actress Rhian Ramos, and Ultimate Star Jennylyn Mercado. 

In observance of anti-COVID-19 protocols alongside the Network’s precautionary measures, the cast and crew of the show underwent RT-PCR tests, lock-in tapings and strictly practiced government-mandated safety and health protocols on the set.

Dennis, despite feeling unaccustomed to the new taping protocols, shares that working with his girlfriend Jennylyn somehow alleviates his worries, “Nakakapanibago pero mabuti na lang magkasama kaming dalawa ni Jen. Although nakakapanibago rin talaga dahil iba na ‘yung taping procedures, mas iniisip talaga ‘yung safety ng lahat.”

Jennylyn, whose character binds the other two together, hopes for the viewers to experience various emotions as they watch the show, “Gusto namin na sa una matuwa sila, mainis sila habang tumatagal, at matakot din sila. Mixed emotions. Syempre, sana ma-enjoy nila. Makaramdam sila ng iba’t ibang emosyon sa kwento namin.”

Meanwhile, Rhian, who admits to feeling wary of returning to work, believes that adjusting to the new way of doing things is vital, “Ang daming nagbago sa mundo since the last time na nakapag-taping ako, it’s very different. I was even asking Jen for a lot of tips because tapos na siyang mag-shoot for another show. But I think it’s really important na matuto tayong mag-adjust under the new normal.”

The story begins with Coleen (Jennylyn), a professional woman who, after being ridiculed online for a scandal with a married man, moves out of the city and works in a remote resort where she meets the mysterious resident IT guy named Drew (Dennis). Life seems to be going well for the recovering Coleen until her best friend turned enemy Abby (Rhian) shows up and her past begins to haunt her once again.

Joining the talented cast are Jhoana Marie Tan with the special participation of Ruby Rodriguez.

Catch the premiere of ‘I Can See You: Truly. Madly. Deadly.’ - under the helm of esteemed director Jorron Lee Monroy - beginning October 19, weeknights, right after Encantadia only on GMA-7. 

NEW MUSICAL “CINDERELLA” UNVEILS OFFICIAL TITLE TREATMENT

GET ready for Columbia Pictures’ musically-driven, bold new Cinderella featuring global artists and original songs performed by Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, and Idina Menzel. 

Coming soon to Philippine cinemas.

As production on the film has officially wrapped, check out Cinderella’s newly launched official title treatment below.

Cinderella will be distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #CinderellaMovie

SANYA LOPEZ is GMA Network’s 'First Yaya'

GMA Network has finally announced that beautiful and talented Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez will play the title role in the much-awaited primetime series ‘First Yaya.’

The 24-year-old actress first rose to stardom after bagging the role of Sang’gre Danaya in the 2016 hit primetime series Encantadia. Sanya further cemented her name in the entertainment industry after showcasing her acting skills in various programs including Haplos, Cain at Abel, and Dahil Sa Pag-ibig.

 

Sanya expressed her gratitude to the network and her fans for their unending support for this new milestone in her career, “First time ko po na magkakaroon ng show sa primetime na ako ang title role, kaya sobra po akong nagpapasalamat sa GMA at sa fans na laging nakasuporta. Kabado rin po na excited kasi alam ko malaki ang ineexpect ninyo sa akin bilang inyong First Yaya.”

 

It was also revealed that Sanya was especially handpicked by GMA-7 for the role of Yaya Melody. 

 

“Simula pa lang ng Encantadia ay lagi na akong sinosorpresa ng GMA sa projects na binibigay po nila. Ang tiwala po ay laging karapat-dapat na suklian ng sipag, tiyaga at katapatan,” said Sanya.

 

The original drama is set to introduce the newest pairing of Sanya with versatile and multitalented Kapuso actor Gabby Concepcion.

 

The Kapuso actress added that she is elated to be working with the seasoned actor and vows to do justice to her role, “First time na malaman ko ‘yon napa-wow na lang ako sa sarili ko. Alam naman po natin na guwapo at magaling na aktor si Mr. Gabby Concepcion, kaya sa part ko dapat paghandaan ko rin ang mga eksena namin para hindi ako mapahiya sa kanya.”

 

Sanya shared that she is still in the process of preparing for her character and draws on her past experience of babysitting for her younger cousins.

 

“Sa tulong ni Direk LA at ng buong production ay nasa proseso pa po ako ng pagkilala kay Yaya Melody, para mabigyang buhay at hustisya ko po ang pagkatao niya. ‘Yung buhay ko po noon sa Pulilan, Bulacan ay mayamang source ng inspiration, lalo po at naranasan ko ring mag-alaga ng mga pinsan na mas bata sa akin,” shared Sanya.

 

First Yaya follows the story of a Vice President (Gabby), who will later become the President of the Philippines, and his first family. The endearing Yaya Melody, brought to life by Sanya, serves as a nanny to his children. Soon romance blooms between the two but is challenged by the PSG (Presidential Security Group) Head, played by Pancho Magno.

 

The light, romantic-comedy series will showcase a heart-warming tale about love and how it binds every family together.

 

Also joining the cast are Cassy Legaspi, Joaquin “JD” Domagoso, and Ms. Pilar Pilapil. First Yaya is directed by LA Madridejos. 

FDCP’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 4 Offers Premium Films, Classics, Oscars Submissions, Tributes, and More

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 6, 2020 — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will showcase over 100 films in the 4th Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) which will have its first online edition this year from October 31 to November 15 at the agency’s new FDCP Online Channel.

The PPP4 is an FDCP-led omnibus project featuring titles from local film festivals like the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, QCinema International Film Festival, Cinema One Originals Film Festival, Sinag Maynila Film Festival, CineFilipino Film Festival, ToFarm Film Festival, and Metro Manila Film Festival as well as from various producers and regional film festivals, a PPP Retrospective, the Lab portion of the Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition, and the CineMarya Women’s Film Festival.

“This year’s PPP is a solidarity event that aims to encourage support for Philippine Cinema in light of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to propagate the love for Filipino films among audiences and help sustain the country’s film industry that is gravely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The FDCP is glad to announce that all proceeds will be given to producers involved in the festival through revenue sharing,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

PPP4 Festival Lineup

PPP4 features the following sections:  Premium, Classics, PH Oscars Entries, Tributes, Romance, Youth and Family, Genre, Bahaghari, PPP Retro, Documentary, and From the Regions, along with Sine Kabataan and CineMarya. A partial list was provided by the national film agency when the PPP Early Bird Rate Festival Pass was made available from September 30 to October 15.

The Premium section will feature films that had limited release or have never been released to the Philippine audience. The Premium Showcase lineup, along with the regional short films and other additional selections, will be revealed by the FDCP on October 8 in a press conference.

The Classics section will screen cinematic gems by National Artists for Film, with the first three being restored films by the FDCP’s Philippine Film Archive:

• “White Slavery” by Lino Brocka

• “Genghis Khan” by Manuel Conde

• “Manila by Night” by Ishmael Bernal

• “Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux VI” by Kidlat Tahimik

• “Ang Panday” by Fernando Poe, Jr.

PH Oscars Entries include critically acclaimed films that were submitted by the Philippines to the Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film race.

• “Ma’ Rosa” by Brillante Mendoza

• “Verdict” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez

• “Sa Pusod ng Dagat” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

• “Saranggola” by Gil Portes

 

The Tributes section pays homage to departed screen legends and industry pillars.

• “Death Row” by Joel Lamangan (for Eddie Garcia)

• “Adela” by Adolfo Alix, Jr. (for Anita Linda)

• “Insiang” by Lino Brocka (for Mona Lisa)

• “Muro-Ami” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (for Marilou Diaz-Abaya)

• “Filipinas” by Joel Lamangan (for Armida Siguion-Reyna)

• “Sonata” by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes (for Peque Gallaga)

The Romance section provides the kilig factor that is a surefire hit among Filipino audiences.

• “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” by Ice Idanan

• “Moments of Love” by Mark Reyes

• “Ulan” by Irene Villamor 

• “Never Not Love You”  by Antoinette Jadaone

• “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” by Joyce Bernal

• “Una Kang Naging Akin” by Laurice Guillen

• “Mga Mister ni Rosario” by Alpha Habon

Films with lighthearted or heartwarming stories, meanwhile, are part of the Youth and Family section.

• “Pepot Artista” by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.

• “Family History” by Michael V.

• “1st Sem” by Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibañez

• “Edward” by Thop Nazareno

• “Dayo” by Robert Quilao

In the Genre section, there are action, horror, drama, mystery, thriller, science fiction, and historical biopic films.

• “Alpha: The Right to Kill” by Brillante Mendoza

• “Instalado” by Jason Paul Laxamana

• “Abomination” by Yam Laranas

• “Dyamper” by Wes de Guzman

• “Jose Rizal” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

• “El Presidente” by Mark Meily

• “In Nomine Matris” by Wilfredo Manalang

The Bahaghari section features at least five LGBT-themed films.

• “Akin ang Korona” by Zig Dulay

• “Billie and Emma” by Samantha Lee

• “Ned’s Project” by Lemuel Lorca

• “Ang Huling Cha Cha ni Anita” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

• “Rainbow’s Sunset” by Joel Lamangan

It’s a walk down memory lane in PPP Retro as this section contains past PPP entries.

• “Pauwi Na” by Paolo Villaluna

• “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus” by Dwein Baltazar

• “Star na si Van Damme Stallone” by Randolph Longjas

• “Paglipay” by Zig Dulay

• “Circa” by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

In line with FDCP's goal to push for more opportunities for Filipino documentary filmmaking, a Documentary section is included in this year's edition of PPP.

• “Nick and Chai” by Cha Escala and Wena Sanchez

• “Lugta Ke Tamama (Land from God)” by Kevin Piamonte

• “The Search for Weng-Weng” by Andrew Leavold

• “God Bliss our Home” by Nawruz Paguidopon

• “Carving Thy Faith” by Hiyas Bagabaldo

In the From The Regions section, feature-length films show indigenous stories and unique narratives from various parts of the country.

• “Tanabata’s Wife” by Charlson Ong

• “Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong” by Mes de Guzman

• “Baboy Halas (Wailings in the Forest)” by Bagane Fiola

• “Tu Pug Imatuy” by Arbi Barbarona

• “Magkakabaung” by Jason Paul Laxamana

• “Ari: My Life with a King” by Carlo Catu

• “Salvi: Ang Pagpadayon” by TM Malones

As for this year’s edition of Sine Kabataan, the youth-oriented filmmaking competition will be focusing on project development where the selected stories and concepts will undergo a Project Lab during PPP. At the end of the Lab, projects will be pitched and the winning stories will receive a production grant to push through with their projects. For the PPP screening, Sine Kabataan short films from earlier editions will be featured, including the following:

• “Sa Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Arjen Manlapig

• “Bato Bato Pik” by Lorys Plaza and Jaq Sanque

• “Kalakalaro” by Rodson Suarez

Finally, the FDCP’s CineMarya, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine Commission on Women, gets its own PPP section this year.

The final 12 CineMarya short films will be premiered during PPP4. 

• “Daadaan Na (Her Walks)” by Julius Legoen Lumiqued

• “Super-Able” by Arjanmar H. Rebeta

• “Night Shift (Reverie) (Loud Voices)” by Mariel Joy S. Ong

• “Dalaginding na si Isang” by Kristinne Nigel Cenosin Santos

• “Noontime Drama (Tanghaling Tapat)” by Kim Rivera Timan

• “She’s Perfect” by Jochelle Casilad

• “Hakab” by Mel Rose Aguilar

• “Super Woman” by Angela  Francesca V. Andres

• “Winged Dreams to the Blue Heavens” by Maria Ena Aimee Lourdes Apostol Escasa

• “Binakol sa Dahon” by Gary T. Tabanera

• “Ola” by Mijan Jumalon

• “Adira” by Jorzheema Hamid

PPP4 offers several festival subscription options such as the Full Run Pass (PHP 599) that grants a 16-day access to the Premium Selection films and events, free content, free panel sessions/workshops, calendar, and trailers. The Half Run Pass (PHP 299) provides access to the short films library and full-length scheduled screenings for eight consecutive days while the Day Pass (PHP 99) gives access to the short films library and full-length scheduled screenings for one day.

The Early Bird Rate for the Full Run Pass, priced at PHP 450, is available until October 15. There is also a Free Pass that provides access to the calendar and free content. Beginning October 16, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) can avail of a 20% discount while students will get to enjoy a 30% discount.

The FDCP announced that additional titles in the PPP4 lineup will be revealed in the coming days. Watch out for updates on more film titles and other events lined up in the first online edition of the PPP.

For updates and more information, visit FDCPchannel.ph and facebook.com/FDCPPPP.