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| Photo from UST CASA |
Last year, former President Rodrigo Duterte declared September as the Philippine Film Industry Month through Presidential Proclamation 1085, s. 2021.
In honor of the second Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will hold a wide array of local and international events, programs, and activities to recognize and celebrate the achievements of all the stakeholders and sectors of the film industry. Throughout the month of September, the FDCP aims to honor the heritage and legacy of Philippine Cinema.
The
month of September will have main events such as the 'Tuloy Ang Kuwento:
PFIM Opening Ceremony,' 'PFIM Gala,' and the 'Filmmakers and Shakers Night: PFIM
Closing Event,' where there will be special screenings of Filipino gems, live performances,
networking opportunities, book launches, workshops, and special announcements.
This year, UST CASA was invited by the Film Development Council of the Philippines to attend
the Opening Ceremony held last September 02, 2022, at the TriNoma Mall in
Quezon City.
This
year’s PFIM theme is “Tuloy Ang Kuwento: Ang Pagbabalik ng Pelikulang
Pilipino,” (The Story Continues: The Return of Filipino Movies). This aims to
bring together the film community and audiences to rally with the Philippine film
industry as it regains momentum following the ease of pandemic restrictions and the return to operation of theaters and cinemas.
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| Photo From UST CASA |
Recently,
we reached out to the UST CASA executive board members, who were present at the
opening ceremony, to impart their experience as attendees of the said event.
Here are the voices of the UST CASA executive board:
Ms. Jenina Bea Jazul, the president of UST
CASA, relayed that the event was fun and enlightening as she was able to mingle
and celebrate the opening of the second-ever Philippine Film Industry Month in
history with top directors and screenwriters.
“The
event went rather smoothly, with a few speeches thrown around by Tirso Cruz III
as the CEO of FDCP, and most notably by Ricky Lee himself. We were also able to
watch the very first screening of the beautifully remastered "Moises
Padilla Story" since its first showing way back then. Snacks were provided
and books on cinema and screenplay writing were sold out front. In an
ever-awakening consciousness, the Filipino must strive to craft films that not
only inspire greatness in others but reflect on society's ills and
indifferences. Like all art, film is a medium of expression. We create films to
understand the fundamentals of life and society as a whole and project that
into the silver screen for viewing by others who may not be aware of such
ideas.”
When
asked to give a message to the young Filipino filmmakers, she said she does not
necessarily feel qualified; nonetheless, she wished the young filmmakers a
Happy Philippine Film Industry Month. “A mentor once told me that greatness isn't
achieved overnight. It's grit that will push you over the edge and solidify
anything that you aim to achieve.”
The
vice president for external affairs, Mx. Ranch Ramas, described the event as a night to remember. The
opportunity to represent UST and UST CASA, his home organization, is one for
the books.
“Upon
arriving at the venue, I was dumbfounded by the presence of numerous and
noteworthy personalities in the field of film and media—people I see on
television and the internet—that I look up to as a starting professional. I may
not have socialized with them directly, but it was nice to be around a few. I
believe we, UST, were one of the few schools to have been invited to the event
and I must say that I did not feel excluded as the staff were welcoming toward
everyone. The event was well organized as the production team- or whoever was
in charge- did a job well done!”
He
also delivered a heartwarming message to the young filmmakers. “Enkindle the
undying flame of passion for the rest of your life. Filmmaking is a process—you
may start young, or late, but creativity will always be there. Nurture it.
Mabuhay ang sining! Mabuhay ang progresibong pag-unlad ng kulturang Pilipino!”
Mr. Nathanael Monte, the vice president for
internal affairs, shared that he also wishes to venture into
filmmaking, and for such, it was a great experience.
“Films
have a unique way of unfolding the realities around us. I view film as an
effective form of art that unveils the truth and reality of society. Films are
an effectual medium that displays a message for its audiences about a
respective conflict or issue that can serve as an eye-opener and awareness to
its viewers. Overall, the event was well-conducted; from honoring the
newly-conferred national artists of the Philippines until the viewing of the
restored version of The Moises Padilla Story (1961) of Gerardo De Leon.”
As
an aspiring filmmaker himself, his message to young filmmakers is to always
live up to their passion for storytelling and make films that are more than
just films.
Lastly, Mx. Louise Elaine Legaspi, the secretary of UST CASA, narrates that being
in a room with so many prominent names in the film industry was a little
intimidating but a wonderful and meaningful experience as a representative of
UST CASA.
“The
event was pretty engaging because they dug deep into the rich backstory of our
National Artists in the Film Industry. I gained a lot of knowledge and insights
from all that was discussed and shared during the event. Films are one of the
best ways to convey a message to a large audience. Films are able to touch the
hearts and open the minds of its audience. It sparks discourse on relevant
issues and gives light to untold stories. It plays such an important role that
is why we should always try to protect it.”
Mx. Legaspi also stated that film is a very intricate art form that requires such talent and skills; hence, she looks up to filmmakers. “To all the young Filipino filmmakers out there, may you continue to find inspiration and seek the beauty in all the interesting and mundane things in life. Padayon sa inyo, mga alagad ng sining at pelikula!”
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| Photo From FDCP |
To
all film fans and enthusiasts, above is the full calendar of activities and event line-ups
to watch out for this whole month of September in celebration of the
achievements and progress of the field of filmmaking. The Film Development
Council of the Philippines prepared a jam-packed month of festivities with
online and on-site screenings, panel discussions, activations, launches, and
many more. Follow their social media accounts to know more.
Wishing
everyone a happy Philippine Film Industry Month!
Happy viewing, CASAns!
