SM Cinema launches film literacy program

MANILA, Philippines - SM Cinema recently launched its Center for New Cinema, which aims to utilize SM theaters as alternative classrooms for review centers, workshops, stage plays and film reviews during the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. slot at the SM City Manila.

Part of it is a film literacy program held in cooperation with filmmaker Nick Deocampo and the Department of Education. In line with this, Deocampo has prepared a film literacy kit, which includes lectures on critically-acclaimed films like The Flor Contemplacion Story by Joel Lamangan; Foster Child by Brillante Mendoza; Jose Rizal by Marilou Diaz-Abaya; Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo by Lupita Concio; Memories of Old Manila by Nick Deocampo; Sisa by Gerardo de Leon; and Batas Militar by Mike Alcazaren.

It also includes a lesson plan for a selection of educational indie movies by Eddie Garcia, Eddie Romero, Rory Quintos, Raymond Red, Jose Mari Avellana, Mike de Leon, Ishmael Bernal and Lino Brocka, among others.

The movies tackle topics such as history, social and political issues, values, human rights, religion and many other subjects that are helpful as an alternative medium of instruction. Lecturers have the option to choose a film from the kit, request for a film of their choice from SM Cinema, with the option to watch it at the SM theaters or at their own auditorium.

Education Secretary Brother Armin Luistro and Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim were the guests of honor during the launch. They were joined by Star Cinema SVP Malou Santos and ABS-CBN marketing director Marjorie So. SM Cinema SVP Edgar Tejerero and SM Supermalls AVP for operations Royston Cabunag welcomed them during the event, which also included a the formal turnover of the film literacy kits to DepEd and a lecture by Deocampo and the screening of his film Sine/Cine.

For details, visit smcinema.com.ph or call 831-7000 local 2695/2680/2627.