FDCP Supports The Japan Foundation, Manila’s places, pieces in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) supported places, pieces, a three-day film program presented by   The Japan Foundation, Manila,  in Iloilo City from August 28 to 30, 2026. The program brought together Japanese and Filipino films, filmmakers, artists, students, and audiences in conversations on place, memory, identity, cultural exchange, and regional cinema. 

Held at Festive Walk Cinemas Iloilo in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, the program showcased three Japanese feature films, one Filipino feature film, and five short films from Western Visayas. 

Despite heavy rains on the first day, audiences gathered for the opening program, which featured remarks from FDCP Chairman and CEO, Director Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes; The Japan Foundation, Manila Deputy Director Yuka Kaneko; and places, pieces Programmer and Project Manager Jo Andrew Torlao. The program opened with Yuiga Danzuka’s Brand New Landscape.

Beyond screenings, the event fostered learning and dialogue through a lecture on the history of Japanese immigrants in prewar Iloilo by Dr Ma. Luisa E. Mabunay, PhD. Iloilo-based filmmakers Daniel de la Cruz, Jonathan Jurilla, Richard Salvadico, and Kat Salvadico joined a discussion moderated by Makiko Wakai on place and identity among regional filmmakers, while a talkback with filmmakers from the palayo, palapit curation allowed audiences to engage directly with the artists behind the films.

The program also featured workshops in partnership with the FDCP Academic Film Society, including a Conceptualizing and Directing Workshop led by Chairman Reyes, a Film Producing and Financing Workshop by Patti Lapus, and a Film Programming Workshop facilitated by Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival programmer Makiko Wakai and FDCP officer Torlao. The sessions brought together students from universities across Iloilo alongside filmmakers, film programmers, cultural workers, and artists.

During the visit, the FDCP also conducted the JuanFlix Campus Tour at West Visayas State University and Central Philippine University, while the Film Philippines Office presented in the Department of Tourism Region VI’s seminar on film tourism.  Chairman Reyes also met with West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and the university’s students and faculty. 

places, pieces is the Philippine presentation of a curatorial project developed through The Japan Foundation’s First Draft Programming Workshop, bringing together emerging film programmers from across Asia.  Its Iloilo presentation highlighted the importance of regional cinema, film education, and meaningful engagement with local audiences and communities.  

With the support of The Japan Foundation, Manila, FDCP, Megaworld Cinemas, Festive Walk Cinemas Iloilo, the Department of Tourism Region VI, the Iloilo City Government, and local partners, the program contributed to Iloilo’s growing role as a vibrant center for film, arts, and culture in the Visayas.

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