The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) kicks off 2025 strong with initiatives supporting Philippine cinema, led by Chairman Jose Javier Reyes.
Efforts include film education, local production support, international collaboration, and bringing world class cinema to our shores.
EFFORTS IN FILM EDUCATION
The FDCP furthers its mission to make filmmaking more accessible through workshops headed by local cinematic legends and collaborations with international groups:
Taskovski x FDCP - DocsConnect: Training 1st Module Workshop [January 15 - 21, 2025]
Starting the year with impact, the FDCP and London-based Taskovski Films launched the first Philippine “DocsConnect” workshop last January 15 - 21 at Seda Manila Bay.
The 5-day program introduced “conscious filmmaking” through self-care, mindfulness, and production skills, gathering participants behind 10 documentary projects at various stages of development. This marks the beginning of the FDCPxTaskovski initiative to expose more local filmmakers to “DocsConnect.”
Mowelfund Film Institute x FDCP | Cinematic na Authentic: Finding your Voice in Visual Storytelling [November 7, 2024 - February 20, 2025]
The FDCP and the Mowelfund Film Institute’s “Cinematic na Authentic” is an intensive hands-on program exploring the art of visual storytelling. Led by legendary Director of Photography Lee Briones-Meily. The workshop covers the technical and creative aspects of cinematography.
The 20 selected cinematographers are expected to complete the course by February 20, 2025.
Eugenio Lopez Jr. Senior High School x FDCP Academic Film Society | Script to Screen: A
Masterclass on Scriptwriting and Visual Storytelling
[January 27 - 28, 2025]
The FDCP’s Academic Film Society brings a foundational filmmaking workshop to the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School, promoting a love for film in the next generation.
BRINGING HOMEGROWN FILMMAKERS ACROSS BORDERS
The FDCP takes local filmmakers and producers overseas to connect with global film companies and experience international film cultures.
International Film Festival Rotterdam - Rotterdam Lab [February 1 - 5, 2025]
The FDCP will bring local producers Ma-an Dionisio-Dagñalan and Catsi Catalan to the
“Rotterdam Lab” at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam, a key platform for
filmmakers from developing countries to network and recognize emerging global auteurs. Our
representatives will have the rare chance to attend educational sessions and productive social
opportunities throughout the 5-day workshop.
Berlinale Co-Production Market - Visitors Programme
[Feb 13 - 25, 2025]
The FDCP will be joined by emerging local producers at the Berlin International Film Festival
(Berlinale), one of the world’s largest film markets that opens the year, for them to experience its
Visitors Programme. The Programme will offer a chance to engage in informative sessions and
networking opportunities to foster international partnerships with hundreds of potential
collaborators.
SCREENING WORLD CLASS CINEMA FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY
Despite the temporary closure of Cinematheque Manila, the FDCP will continue to screen quality
films across Metro Manila’s movie houses and at regional Cinematheques.
Sine Sinta: Pag Ibig at Pelikula 2025 [Feb 5-11]
Our highly anticipated Valentine’s special returns with a double-feature of critically acclaimed
flicks: Director Jopy Arnaldo’s Gitling and Past Lives by Director Celine Song, to be showcased
at select Ayala Cinemas and our regional Cinematheques.
FDCP Presents:
A Curation of World Cinema 2025 [March 5-19]
The FDCP brings some of 2024’s best global features to the Philippines, including Oscar nominees The Seed of The Sacred Fig and Flow, plus international festival standouts like A Traveler’s Needs, Bird, Black Dog, Dahomey, and Young Hearts, in select cinemas nationwide!
Inanimate: Animation Film Festival [March 2025]
A new festival spotlighting Filipino animation, Inanimate will feature works from seasoned
filmmakers and those from emerging student talents to spark renewed interest for the medium of
animated movies.
Final selection of films, venues, and schedules for announced exhibitions coming soon
THE SINE KABATAAN FILM LABORATORY IS BACK FOR ITS 8TH EDITION!
[March 28, 2025]
SineKab returns for its 8th edition, offering emerging filmmakers a platform to develop their short
films with funding grants from the FDCP, and mentorship with industry veterans.
Applications are open until February 17, 2025.
DLSU x FDCP COLLABORATE FOR LANDMARK STUDY ON FILIPINO FILM AUDIENCES
[March 2025]
In partnership with De La Salle University’s Social Development Research Center, the study
“Habits and Preferences of Filipino Viewers of Local Films in Metro Manila” will be published this
March. The study will provide insights to help drive sustainable growth in the local film industry.
TELL YOUR STORIES IN OUR ISLANDS
The Film Philippines Office (FPO) continues its commitment to promoting the Philippines as a
premiere filmmaking destination for international productions.
Incentives and Grants
The Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP) offers a 20% cash rebate (up to 25 million PHP) for
on-location projects in the Philippines. Additionally, the International Co-Production Fund (ICOF)
supports international-local film collaborations (up to 10 million PHP). Applications for both FLIP
and ICOF open twice a year, with Cycle 1 from January 27 - February 21, 2025.
Local productions can also apply for the CreatePHFilms Funding Program, which offers support
for Project Development, Small and Large Budget productions, Post-Production, and Short Films.
Stay tuned for future announcements!
Participation in International Events
The FPO continues to strengthen global networking and collaboration through key film markets.
This February, we will be present at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and
Short Film Market (France) in preparation of the event’s intended focus on Southeast Asian
cinema in 2026 so Philippine cinema can make its mark on a global stage.
In the same month, The European Film Market at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
will prove fertile ground for relations and collaboration with international producers, whilst serving
a wide selection of licensing opportunities for programming in future World Cinema exhibitions.
In March, the Philippine Pavilion at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market will showcase
Filipino films and content, aiming to foster partnerships, attract investments, and create market
opportunities in Asia.
RESTORING CULTURAL ICONS
Preserving our film heritage is at the core of the FDCP’s mission. Three iconic films will undergo restoration: Death was a Stranger (1963) by Dir. Lamberto Avellana, Badlis sa Kinabuhi (1969) by Dir. Leroy Salvador, and Sister Stella L (1984) by Dir. Mike De Leon.
FILIPINO EXCELLENCE ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
Recognizing the efforts of homegrown auteurs and cross-country collaborations, we are proud to highlight the nods and awardees, including FPO grantees, from last year:
Hito directed by Stephen Lopez
● Festival Connexion Award, 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival ● International Film Festival Assistance Program grantee
Cu Li Never Cries directed by Phạm Ngọc Lân
● Gesellschaft zur Wahrnehmung von Film- und Fernsehrechten (GWFF) Best First
Feature, Berlinale
● Asean Co-Production Fund grantee
Cross My Heart and Hope to Die directed by Sam Manacsa
● Grand Prize, Regard Saguenay International Short Film Festival
● CreatePH Short Films Grantee
The Gospel of the Beast directed by Sheron Dayoc
● The Golden Star Award, Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival
● Best Film, Bali International Film Festival
● International Co-Production Fund (ICOF) grantee
All This Wasted Space directed by Cris Bringas
● Golden Reel Award (Winner), Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - VC Film Fest
● International Film Festival Assistance and CreatePH Short Film Incentives grantee
Huling Palabas directed by Ryan Machado
● Best Feature Film (Nominee), MiX International Festivals of LGBTQ+ Cinema and Queer
Culture (Milan)
● International Film Festival Assistance and CreatePH Short Film Incentives grantee
Tale of the Land directed by Loeloe Hendra
● International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award, Busan International Film
Festival
● ASEAN Co-prod fund grantee
Viet & Nam directed by Minh Quý Trương
● Best Director, Singapore International Film Festival
● Silver Hanoman (runner-up) Award, JOGJA-Netpac International Film Festival
● ASEAN Co-prod fund grantee
Vox Humana directed by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
● Best Performance Award - Sasa Cabalquinto, Singapore International Film Festival
● International Film Festival Assistance grantee
Blue Room directed by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan
● Best Action Choreography, 61st Asia-Pacific Film Festival
● International Film Festival Assistance and Small Budget Productions grantee
For details on any of the initiatives and more, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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