MANILA, Philippines - The Sineng Pambansa, a program thrust of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will be launched in Iloilo City starting today until Jan. 21 at SM City Cinema Iloilo.
Sineng Pambansa is aimed at revitalizing the Philippine film industry which has declined significantly in the last decade.
The program involves screening Filipino films for two or three days in different cities and population centers in the country. The filmfest will feature 12 films by Filipino filmmakers. They are Bakal Boys (2009, Ralston Jover), Yanggaw (Richard Sommers, 2008), Sigwa (2010, Joel Lamangan), Red Shoes (2010, Raul Joralan), Emir (2009, Chito Roño), Himpapawid (2010, Raymond Red), Lola (2009, Brillante Mendoza), Happyland (2010, Jim Libiran), Hataw (2010, Sheron Dayoc), Sampaguita (2010, Francis Xavier Passion), and Kano (Monster Jimenez, 2010). The project aims to revitalize local filmmakers and awaken local audiences by making films accessible to the community.
The film festival will be held in conjunction with the city’s Dinagyang Festival. The Dinagyang is described as a thanksgiving and a celebration in honor of Sr. Santo Niño with its dances, costumes and folk choreography showcasing of Ilonggo heritage and culture.
The project is a partnership between the FDCP and the city government of Iloilo through the mayor’s office and tourism office. Last Nov. 30, a signing of Memorandum of Agreement and unveiling of the Iloilo Film Fest logo was made between FDCP and the city government of Iloilo, Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog noted the importance of such program and has envisioned a yearly film festival with plans to make it into an international film festival. He said the people of Iloilo City are excited and enthusiastic because this will be a first in their city.
The Sineng Pambansa Iloilo Film Festival is made possible by the FDCP, The City Government of Iloilo and SM Cinema.