While the cinemas are still struggling to bring back their audiences to the big screen, the film industry has never been more alive.
Film events have been happening around the metro and in the regions. Great news abound, with Filipino films winning in different international film festivals and breaking boundaries.
Director Carl Papa’s Iti Mapukpukaw has been named the official entry to the 96th Academy Awards, and it is a welcome news.
Meanwhile, the British Council launched the Climate Film Lab, a three-day intensive training workshop and mentoring sessions by seasoned filmmakers and media professionals from the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
In collaboration with DAKILA, Picture People (UK), and iMedia (UK), the lab will provide grants and support to 10 filmmakers to realize their stories. Application is still ongoing until 15 October.
As part of its commitment to unite people in addressing the challenges of climate change, the organization kicks off the film project with special screenings of its global Climate Stories Playlist in the Philippines in different venues until October 22.
“The British Council uses art to spark creativity, innovation, conversations, and actions among individuals in between countries. We are thrilled to partner with DAKILA on putting the spotlight on the climate emergency, an issue that affects us all and is very prevalent here in the country,” British Council head of arts Mich Dulce.
Climate Stories Playlist features nine short films – six from the UK, one from Canada, one from the USA, and one from the Philippines. Each film explores what the climate crisis means to different people – personally, politically, and culturally, with unique narratives that reflect on the relationship with homeland, community, indigenous culture, and climate change, and with a vision of hope, courage, and change.
The screenings are part of DAKILA’s ongoing Active Vista Human Rights Festival, with the theme “Rebelasyon,” showcasing artistry that aims to open the eyes and minds of viewers and creators.
“At the British Council, we are passionate about connecting people through English, education, and arts and culture. Our commitment to supporting vital projects that highlight important topics such as climate change, diversity, and inclusion remains unwavering. Through our 45 years in the Philippines, we have stood firm in our dedication to fostering positive change through our work, and we look forward to doing more in the coming years,” says Lotus Postrado, British Council’s Country Director in the Philippines.
To know more about the British Council and their work, visit britishcouncil.ph.
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Don’t miss the Spanish films featured in the Pelicula Spanish Film Festival from October 5 to 15 at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet. Organized by Instituto Cervantes and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, this annual event will showcase 23 films, with seven available online for viewers in Australia and Singapore.
Pelicula, established in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, celebrates Spanish-language cinema, presenting the latest acclaimed works from Spain and Ibero-American countries.
A highlight of this year’s program is Pelicula en Verde, where a tree will be planted for each viewer of specially-marked films, including Alcarràs (Carla Simón, 2023), As bestas (Rodrigo Sorogoyen, 2022), El Olivo (Icíar Bollaín, 2016), Fonos (Gabriela Badillo Sánchez, 2021), and Tierra (Julio Medem, 1996). This initiative, in partnership with the Haribon Foundation, is sponsored by Acciona, a prominent Spanish infrastructure company with Asian headquarters in Manila.
The festival will also pay tribute to acclaimed filmmaker Carlos Saura, screening his films Embrujo, Goya en Burdeos, and El Rey de todo el mundo.
In addition to Spanish films, the festival will feature works from Ibero-American countries like Chile, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico, including a Spain-Mexico co-production.
As in previous years, viewers can vote for their favorite films for the Audience Choice Awards, with the winning film screened on the festival’s last day, October 15.
All screenings are free on a first-come, first-served basis, with films in Spanish (or their original language) and English subtitles. Visit the festival’s website (https://pelikula/org) or Instituto Cervantes de Manila’s Facebook page for updates.
