MANILA, PHILIPPINES, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has officially opened the second Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) celebration through a special film screening of the newly-restored classic The Moises Padilla Story by National Artist Gerardo “Gerry” de Leon last September 2 at Cinema 6 of TriNoma Malls in Quezon City. 

The PFIM Opening Ceremony hosted by actress-host Dianne Medina was well attended by distinguished names in the industry such as new National Artist for Film, screenwriter Ricky Lee, film historian and filmmaker Nick Deocampo, author and journalist Nestor Cuartero, Cinemalaya Foundation President Laurice Guillen, and director Joey Javier Reyes. Also present in the event were the families of Leopoldo Salcedo and Gerry de Leon, government officials, embassy partners, and members of the press. 

Books on cinema featuring publications from National Artist Ricky Lee, screenwriter Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo, Nick Deocampo, and Nestor Cuartero, were also on sale during the opening event. 

“The PFIM is now in its second year, and we at FDCP are happy to present to you a month-long celebration with activities that pay homage to the films and the filmmakers that paved the way for our film industry to get to where it is today. We kick-off the celebration by giving tribute to our National Artists for Film who have put Philippine Cinema in high esteem of local and world audiences,” said FDCP Chairman and CEO Tirso Cruz III in his opening remarks. 

“Tonight, we gather not just to commemorate the progress and achievements of our Philippine Film Industry, but also to celebrate our strength and resilience as a film-loving community,” he added. 

The event’s special guest speakers shared their insights on the celebration. Writer and critic Dr. Nicanor “Nick” Tiongson gave an introduction on the three new National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts, actress Nora Aunor, screenwriter Ricky Lee, and the late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Curator-archivist Teddy Co and director-cinematographer Ricardo "Dik" Trofeo, meanwhile, shared anecdotes on the The Moises Padilla Story before its special screening. 

For more information and updates on the second PFIM, follow FDCP’s official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.