Bacolod film festival seeks heritage stories from creatives

Mayor Greg Gasataya, center, is joined by Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion head Mae Llamas and Councilor Em Ang, second and third from left, respectively, and Bacolod Film Festival Director Tanya Lopez, far right, during the launch of the 2026 Bacolod Film Festival on Monday. (Bacolod City Communications Office)

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government officially launched the third Bacolod Film Festival on Monday, calling on local filmmakers to create original live-action films highlighting the city’s cultural heritage.

During the launch at the Bacolod City Government Center, festival director Tanya Lopez said participants may submit entries from Aug. 3–31.

Each film must feature three to five recognizable heritage elements.

These elements may include historical landmarks, traditions, festivals, food culture, communities, and other cultural assets.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said this year’s festival, themed “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future,” seeks to inspire filmmakers to preserve Bacolod’s identity through inclusive and innovative storytelling.

The festival will select eight to 10 finalists.

Each finalist will receive a PHP 100,000 production grant to be released in two tranches.

Participants will also undergo script consultations, workshops, and production mentoring.

The completed films will premiere during the festival from Nov. 27–29.

The competition is open to Bacolod-based filmmakers.

Directors and at least half of their production teams must be registered voters and residents of Bacolod.

Most filming locations must also be within the city.

Councilor Em Ang said the festival continues to strengthen Bacolod’s creative industry by giving local filmmakers opportunities to showcase their work locally and internationally.

Ang authored City Ordinance No. 1061, Series of 2024, which established the Bacolod Film Festival.

The ordinance was approved in February 2024 to promote the local film industry and provide a platform for Bacolod filmmakers.

Ang said the city is steadily gaining recognition for its creative sector as she pursues her vision of making Bacolod a filmmaking hub.

Lopez described the festival as a way to document Bacolod’s changing landscape and preserve its history for future generations through film.

The city has expanded its support for creatives through G-Hive, a creative industry hub launched in June.

The hub includes the Studio, which provides filmmakers, animators, designers, and other multimedia artists with access to professional-grade equipment and software.

Gasataya also said Bacolod will host the first Metro Manila Film Festival parade and roadshow outside Metro Manila on Dec. 11.