Press Release

October 2, 2026

PFIM 2026 LOOKS BACK ON A GOLDEN AGE, AHEAD TO THE NEXT

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Another Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) has come to a close. As the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) looks back on a month of screenings, film education, competitions, and industry events, it also looks ahead to the next Golden Age of Philippine cinema.

 

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A CINEASTE’S SEPTEMBER

 

PFIM 2026 kicked off with a bang at the premiere of the newly-restored “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang,” which filled two sold-out cinemas on opening night at Red Carpet, Shangri-La Plaza. Following strong public interest, the Lino Brocka classic continued its run at Cinematheque Centre Manila.

 

The recently restored “Sister Stella L” by Dir. Mike De Leon, starring Vilma Santos also made its grand homecoming at the Metropolitan Theater to a wave of adoring fans of the cinematic legends.

 

This year also marked the first edition following the grand inauguration of Cinematheque Centre Manila in Intramuros. Throughout the month, the Cinematheque and the historic locales surrounding it hosted screenings celebrating the Second Golden Age, restored works from Philippine cinema’s pre-war years, and new cinematic voices through the PFIM Short Film and Films for Peace competitions.

 

 

PFIM MAINSTAYS: SINE KABATAAN & FILM EDUCATION CONVENTION

 

Continuing a PFIM tradition, the 9th Sine Kabataan Short Film once again took the spotlight at Red Carpet Cinema at Shangri-La Plaza. This year’s big winner was Dir. Elj Seth Tababa’s “Bato’ng Bunga,” sweeping the major awards and bringing recognition to its filmmakers in Cebu. The films later toured the FDCP’s Cinematheque Centres across the country.

 

The Film Education Convention returned this year, finding a new home at the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building of De La Salle University. Insightful panels with industry leaders, a showcase of student filmmaking new-and-old, and a spotlight on the ever prolific National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee made for a great weekend for the film enthusiast.

 

 

AN AGE TO REMEMBER, A NIGHT NEVER TO FORGET

 

The PFIM Closing Ceremony wrapped up the month of September at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City, where the annual Parangal recognized this year’s achievers and honorees.

 

The Annual Achievement Award honored Ryan Machado, Ruby Ruiz, Jorrybell Agoto, and the Women of “Enjoy Your Stay,” while the Lifetime Achievement Award recognized the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Tito Valiente, Hilda Koronel, and Vic Del Rosario.

 

The ceremony also celebrated the films that marked the beginning of the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema in 1976: “Itim,” “Insiang,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo,” “Nunal sa Tubig,” “Ganito Kami Noon…. Paano Kayo Ngayon?”

 

The event also featured the finalists of the Isapelikula film lab, as well as the PFIM Short Film Competition:

 

Isapelikula Finalists

 

  • A Time Less Traveled - Arianna O. Martinez
  • Lasto (Last Two) - Joshua Caesar E. Medroso
  • Legend of the Wild Rosemallow - Richard Soriano Legaspi
  • Meron, Wala - Arjanmar H. Rebeta
  • Thank You Murder - Monica Veronica B. Velasco

 

PFIM Short Film Competition

 

  • Sikwate: Worm with Illness - Franky Arrocena (Winner & Raymond Red Future Voice Awardee)
  • The Cat is a Wide-Eyed Night - Patrick Pangan (Raymond Red Future Voice Awardee)

 

With the closing of PFIM 2026, we look back on our gilded past that helped shape Philippine cinema, while looking ahead to the next generation of cinematic voices who will usher in our next Golden Age.

 

For details on any of the initiatives and more, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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