FDCP, mall theaters team up to hold ‘Pista’ of Pinoy films

In honor of August as Buwan ng Wika (Filipino Language Month), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is partnering with commercial theaters to exclusively screen Filipino films nationwide in an event called Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Fiesta of Filipino Films), which will run from August 16 to 22, 2017. 

“Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino will be a big celebration of Filipino films for our audience—a festivity with a wide variety of genre films to choose from nationwide,” FDCP Chairman and CEO Liza Diño said in a press conference at Salu restaurant in Quezon City on April 26.

“We are grateful for the support and partnership of the National Cinema Association of the Philippines and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., (which) have graciously dedicated over 700 of their screens for the Pista,” she added.

“This really is an incredible opportunity for our Filipino audience to reconnect with meaningful Filipino films that move and appeal to them in an exclusive platform,” the FDCP chief said.

The event is open to all Filipino filmmakers who may submit films on or before June 15. Ten to 12 films will be chosen by a selection committee made up of Diño, screenwriter Ricky Lee, directors Jose Javier Reyes and Erik Matti, and film editor Manet Dayrit.

The chosen films shall be diverse, from family-oriented fare and romantic comedies to horror and fantasy movies, and even historical features that showcase Filipino culture and sensibilities. Each film will be screened at a minimum of 60 theaters.

Participating moviehouses are Araneta Center Cinemas, Ayala Mall Cinemas, Cash & Carry Cinemas, Century City Cinemas, Cinema 2000, Commercenter Alabang Cinemas, Eastwood Cinemas, Festival Cinemas, Fisher Box Office, Gaisano Cinemas, KCC Cinemas, Megaworld Lifestyle Mall Cinemas, NCCC Cinemas, Power Plant Cinemas, Promenade Greenhills Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Shang Cineplex, Sta. Lucia Cinemas, Starmall Cinemas, and Vista Cinemas.

In addition to the screenings, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino will include caravans, audience surveys, and forums to maximize the participation of film stakeholders, especially for the audience.

For more information, filmmakers may send an email to chairliza@fdcp.ph.