MANILA, Philippines - The Film Development Council of the Philippines held the International Film Exposition (IFX) at the SMX Convention Center in Manila from Sept. 6 to 7. The IFX is one of the premier film expositions and film markets in South East Asia.
Brought to Manila for the first time, the two-day event aimed at developing the Philippines into a hub for film in the Asian region by gathering local and foreign film makers, producers, developers, stakeholders, services and other prominent players in order to plan out partnerships and co-productions, as well as have technological and educational exchanges.
The film market presented film-related products and companies in an open market slated to showcase their wares and services. Featuring over 50 exhibitors including people from the international and local front on the show floor, booths related to film technology, production and distribution were showcased. Prominent contributors already part of the show floor included (from the country) Star Cinema, GMA Films, Inc., Revolution Media Group, Viva Films, Regal Entertainment, Inc., Quantum Films and more. Representing overseas was the Taipei film Commission, Film France, Screen Authority Sapporo, South Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting Company and the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, to name a few.
The IFX also featured a dedicated ASEAN corner wherein representatives of the respective ASEAN countries managed booths to showcase their countries’ works and contributions to film development. Countries joining the Philippines included Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Aside from the open market, the International Film Conference also took place. A symposium was held for professionals and enthusiasts alike, wherein topics covering the state of the film industries in the Philippines and abroad, the technological advancements in the field and the promotion of film education were discussed by prominent people within the global film industry.