INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Year by year, more and more Filipino films and filmmakers are being chosen by established and prestigious international film festivals all over the world to compete with films from other countries. Since 2016, more than 100 films have been showcased as part of the lineup of these film festivals either to be in competition or exhibition.

With the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ goal to promote Philippine Cinema internationally and provide opportunities for filmmakers to represent the country in the international scene, the Agency’s International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP) is aimed at providing travel and financial support to Filipino filmmakers whose films have been selected in international film festivals.

ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY
APPLICANTS

A Filipino filmmaker competing in international film festivals. Registered at the FDCP National Registry for Audiovisual Workers: Click Here

Based and depending on FDCP’s list of accredited and recognized international film festivals, the following types of assistance to Filipino films and filmmakers.

  • Travel Assistance. FDCP can provide roundtrip economy flights to filmmakers participating in FIAPF-accredited film festivals or FDCP partnered festivals.

  • Stipend. If applicable, FDCP provides stipend up to 500USD depending on the film festival participated. Qualified expenses include Philippine travel tax, accommodation, meals, and transportation.

  • Visa Assistance. FDCP can issue visa endorsements to support the filmmakers’ application. The approval of the applicant’s visa, however, is still at the full discretion of the Embassy concerned and it is the filmmakers’ responsibility to secure an appointment and prepare the documents required by the Embassy.

In addition, endorsement letter issued by FDCP is not a guarantee that your application will be expedited.

  • Visa Fees. FDCP can reimburse the visas fees of the filmmaker (usually director) participating in international film festivals (up to twice a year).

  • Passport Application/Renewal Assistance. As a government agency, the FDCP can draft endorsements that vouches for Filipino filmmakers and attendees to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

  • FDCP Endorsement for OMB Export/Import Clearance. Through the FDCP’s partnership with the Optical Media Board (OMB), the FDCP can draft endorsements for an omnibus permit to be released by the OMB to facilitate the import and export of the copy of the film to and from the international film festival concerned.

  • Philippine Embassy or Consulate Support. FDCP can coordinate with the Philippine posts in the country where the concerned film festival is located in order to give support to Filipino filmmakers for their participation. FDCP encourages the Embassies or Posts to host a lunch or dinner or a courtesy call to the Ambassador and executives.

  • Printing of Collaterals. FDCP can print collateral materials that the filmmakers will bring to the film festival to promote their films, screenings, and participation.

  • Publicity and Promotion Support. The FDCP can provide and release press releases and conduct press events to help promote the country’s participation to the concerned international film festival.

The International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP) is available to Filipino filmmakers competing in international film festivals fulfilling the following eligibility:

  • Grantees of IFFAP can be the directors, producers, actors or production crew are part of the film. However, only the producer or director can lodge the initial application. If applicant is producer, he/she must seek endorsement from the director allowing producer to apply on his behalf.

  • Support can be availed of up to two times a year per film. Filmmakers with multiple films participating in various accredited festivals can apply as long as they are cleared from the previous FDCP assistance granted to them.

  • The applicant must be a Philippine passport holder who exits and returns to Manila for the festival. He or she must also be based in the Philippines for the return of service.

  • The applicant must be a member of FDCP National Registry.

  • The applicant must have a clear record with the Agency and must not have any outstanding clearance issues from other FDCP assistance program.

The following requirements must be submitted via e-mail within five (5) days after receipt of the confirmation letter or notice from the festival or up to 3 weeks before the first day of the festival.

  • Accomplished Application Form (IR-IFFAP Form No. 1)
  • Copy of the official letter of invitation signed by the festival organizer
  • Film Information Sheet
  • Publicity Materials for you film (if applicable)

                 -    Headshot of the Film Director
                -    Hi-Res copy of poster
                -    Hi-Res Film Trailer
                -    Hi-res BTS (behind-the-scenes) photos

  • Scanned copy of passport’s bio page and visa (if applicable) for travel to festival country
  • If applying and qualified for travel assistance, roundtrip airfare quotation for economy class from at least three (3) airlines with preferred departure and arrival times
  • Clearance certification from previous assistance availed (if applicable)

These must be sent to [email protected] with the subject IFFAP <space> Festival Name <space> Your Name.

The process may take to 7 to 14 working days from the time of submission of COMPLETE requirements.

A letter shall be issued by FDCP to the applicant stating the support that will be provided by the Assistance Program. Only the support specified in the letter shall be honored.

For approved assistance, the letter will state the return of service that should be rendered by the grantee of assistance. Upon acceptance of this letter, FDCP and grantee will enter into a memorandum of agreement.