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INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (IFFAP)

OVERVIEW

Every year, an increasing number of Filipino films are selected to compete in renowned and prestigious film festivals around the globe. Over a hundred films have been featured in these festivals, with many receiving accolades for their outstanding quality and creativity.  

 

With the Film Development Council’s (FDCP) goal to promote Philippine cinema on the global stage and provide opportunities for filmmakers to represent the country, the International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP) has been created to provide support and assistance to Filipino filmmakers whose films are selected for competition or screening at reputable international film festivals.

Eligibility

Applicants

To qualify for the program’s support and assistance, one must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

Production Members

  • Director
  • Writer
  • Actor

Note: Applies only to production members of the selected film in the international film festival.

 

Origin & Track Record

  • The applicant must be a Philippine passport holder.
  • The applicant must be a member of the FDCP National Registry. For more information, visit https://nationalregistry.fdcp.ph/.
  • The applicant must have a clear record with the FDCP and must not have any existing clearance issues from other support and assistance programs.
     

TRAVEL GRANT

  • The FDCP provides the following support and assistance under the program, subject to the submission of complete requirements and approval of the Management.
  • The FDCP can provide a travel subsidy grant in the form of reimbursement.

Participation

Region

Maximum Amount

Full Length & Short Film – Main Competition

North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia

PHP 150,000

Full Length & Short Film – Main Competition

Asia

PHP 75,000

Full Length & Short Film – Side Competition

North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia

PHP 100,000

Full Length & Short Film – Side Competition

Asia

PHP 50,000

Full Length & Short Film – Non-Competition

North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Australia

PHP 80,000

Full Length & Short Film – Non-Competition

Asia

PHP 40,000


ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

All expenses must be submitted with the original official receipt or sales invoice; otherwise, FDCP reserves the right to exclude such expenses from the final liquidation for reimbursement without prior notice.

  • Roundtrip economy airfare from the Philippines to the country of the festival and vice-versa
  • Accommodation
  • Meals (limited to the festival duration and travel/flight dates only)
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance (valid for the festival/market travel dates only)
  • Philippine travel tax and International airport terminal fees
  • Local transportation (within the host country only, as well as airport transfers for both departure and arrival)

The program accepts applications all year round.

  • Two (2) filmmakers can apply for films in the main competition section.
  • One (1) filmmaker can apply for films in the side competition or non-competition sections.

    Note: Filmmakers with multiple films participating in various accredited film festivals can apply, provided they have successfully cleared any previous FDCP support and assistance given to them.
     

PRE-FESTIVAL 

  • Pre-Festival Forms 
    Note: The IFFAP forms are in view-only mode. To edit, please click on File > Make a Copy or download the file.
  • PH Passport (Scanned Copy)
  • Official Invitation Letter From The Festival
  • FDCP Certificate Of Clearance (For Return Applicants)
    Important Notice: Applications must be submitted at least one month prior to the festival dates. Late applications (including those submitted one week before the festival) will not be accepted.

POST-FESTIVAL

  • Post-Festival Forms
    Note: The IFFAP forms are in view-only mode. To edit, please click on File > Make a Copy or download the file.
  • CSM Survey
  • Original/Physical Boarding Passes (with Itinerary Receipt)
  • Official Receipts/Invoice (accommodation, meals, transportation, and other eligible expenses)
  • SOA *with personal details blurred (for purchases made using cards, this will be used as a supporting document for payment) 
    Important Notice: Grantees are given thirty (30) days, or one (1) month, after the last day of the festival to submit the required post-festival documentation.
     
  • The application for the program can be processed online.
  • The applicant must submit the pre-festival requirements via email at least thirty (30) days or one (1) month before the first day of the festival.
  • These must be sent to iapfestivals@fdcp.gov.ph with the subject IFFAP Application_Festival_Film Title (ex., IFFAP Application_Berlinale_Sample Film).
  • The FDCP will verify all documents and submit a recommendation for the Management’s approval. During the review process, the FDCP may require further details or documents if deemed necessary. Once approved, the FDCP will notify the applicant through an approval letter.
  • The applicant is required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the FDCP, certifying compliance with the IFFAP guidelines.
  • The MOA must be wet-signed by the applicant on all pages (excluding the notarial page) and printed in four (4) copies on legal-size bond paper.
  • The applicant is responsible for submitting the completed MOA to the FDCP Main Office. Once both parties have signed the MOA, the FDCP will notarize the document and return a copy to the applicant.  
  • The MOA must be finalized BEFORE the beginning of the festival.
  • The Project Development Officer overseeing the program will coordinate with the grantee regarding the processing of the approved grant. A briefing will be conducted to address the technical details and ensure the grantee fully understands the requirements and procedures associated with the grant.
  • If the grantee wishes to appeal the initially approved support and assistance, a formal letter of appeal must be addressed to the Chairman and CEO. The grantee should coordinate with the Project Development Officer for guidance on the appeal process.
     

The IFFAP is a publicly funded program, and as such, grantees are expected to give back to the community by rendering a return of service through either of the following:

  • Participation in various FDCP programs and activities by being guests, mentors, or speakers for FDCP-initiated training and workshops.
  • Allowing the FDCP to screen their film free of charge in FDCP partnered cultural events and activities. 

Return of service will be stated in the grantee’s approval forms. The service must be rendered within two (2) years upon availing of the support.
 

Please send your application to:

 

MS. JEMISSY CHANELL M. CABINAR
Project Development Officer
International Assistance Programs | Festivals Division

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INTERNATIONAL FILM MARKET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (IFMAP)

Eligibility

Applicants

To qualify for the program’s support and assistance, one must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

Production Members

  • Director
  • Producer
  • Distributor
  • Sales Agent

Note: Applies only to production members of the selected project in the international film market.

 

Origin & Track Record

  • The applicant must be a Philippine passport holder.
  • The applicant must be a member of the FDCP National Registry. For more information, visit https://nationalregistry.fdcp.ph/.
  • The applicant must have a clear record with the FDCP and must not have any existing clearance issues from other support and assistance programs.
     
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