Bacolod Joins Roadmap Development for PH Film Industry

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Bacolod City government officials and Negrense filmmakers met with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and global creative industries research organization Olsberg•SPI to discuss the development of a strategic roadmap for the Philippine film industry.

Councilor Em Legaspi Ang, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2024 Director Seymour Sanchez, and Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions head Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas—along with colleagues Zabrina Bentley and Aisel Joyce Tupas—welcomed FDCP Project Development Officers Rachelle Villaluna and Kianne Cho and Olsberg•SPI representatives Joshua Hines-Dedman and Kayleigh Hughes at the Office of the City Mayor on Jan. 16.

The consultative meeting focused on Bacolod’s filmmaking industry, the city’s pitch to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the recently concluded Bacolod Film Festival (BFF), and proposals for a filmmaking workshop or boot camp.

The Bacolod City government expressed its commitment to fostering partnerships and collaborations to further develop the city’s creative industry.

Following the meeting, regional filmmakers and industry professionals from Negros Occidental gathered at Cinematheque Centre Negros for a separate discussion with FDCP and Olsberg•SPI representatives, an event organized by the Sine Negrense Film Festival.

FDCP is working with Olsberg•SPI to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening the country’s domestic film industry and expanding its potential to attract more international productions.

Filmmakers from BFF, Sine Negrense, Margaha Film Festival, La Salle Film Society, and Hinigaran National High School participated in discussions on workforce development, infrastructure, production incentives, distribution challenges, and sustainable filmmaking practices to help amplify the Philippine film industry’s global presence.

Last year, 10 filmmakers showcased their short films with the theme “Stories with a Smile” at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas during the Bacolod Film Festival, held from Sept. 12 to 15.

“Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair), written and directed by Vincent Joseph Entuna, won BFF Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, who also headed the BFF 2024 jury, and Olsberg•SPI CEO Leon Forde signed a strategic roadmap partnership to set long-term goals and targets addressing industry challenges and gaps while outlining the strategic direction of the Philippine film industry over the next five to 10 years.