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Film Cultural Exchange Program
Background of the Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP)
The Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP) is an initiative of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), under the International Assistance Program of the Festivals Division, that aims to promote foreign cinema and strengthen cultural exchange through film screenings and the presentation of international films.
The program supports partnerships with foreign embassies, cultural institutions, and film festival organizers in the Philippines by facilitating the screening of foreign films for cultural presentation and appreciation.
Through the FCEP, the FDCP provides opportunities for Filipino audiences to explore diverse cinematic traditions, stories, and perspectives from different countries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening international partnerships through film.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), through the Festivals Division’s International Assistance Program, may provide the following forms of support, subject to evaluation and approval:
1. Film Review and Classification – The FDCP, through its Film Review and Classification Unit and in coordination with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), may facilitate the review and classification of films included in the festival lineup. The FDCP also issues film rating and classification permits free of charge for films screened under its programs and events, subject to applicable requirements. To allow sufficient time for processing, requests must be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the scheduled event, or earlier depending on the number of films to be reviewed and classified.
2. Optical Media Board (OMB) Clearance - The FDCP may assist in facilitating the processing of the necessary import and export clearances for the shipment of film materials through Philippine Customs, subject to applicable regulations and requirements.
3. Promotional and Publicity Support – Promotion of approved film-related activities through the FDCP’s official communication and publicity channels, when applicable.
4. Venue Support – The FDCP may provide access to its four (4) operating Cinematheque Centers as venues for film festivals, screenings, and related cultural activities, subject to venue availability and approval. These are located in Manila, Iloilo, Negros, and Davao.
Note: All forms of support are subject to FDCP evaluation, approval, applicable guidelines, and resource availability
Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP)
The Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP) accepts applications throughout the year from foreign embassies, cultural institutions, and other eligible cultural organizations seeking FDCP assistance for non-commercial film screenings and cultural events in the Philippines. Applicants are required to submit the following documents and comply with the procedures outlined below:
1. Letter of Intent (LOI)
Submit a formal Letter of Intent addressed to the Chairman and CEO, Hon. Jose Javier Reyes, via email at occeo@fdcp.gov.ph, with a copy furnished to embassysupport@fdcp.gov.ph.
The letter must include the following details:
- Name and nature of the festival or cultural event;
- Proposed event dates and venues; and
- Brief overview and objectives of the event
2. FCEP Application Form No. 1
Complete the FCEP Application Form No. 1 included in the downloadable ZIP file. Ensure that all required information is provided, including the film titles, directors, screening dates, venues, and designated contact person.
Changes to the approved event details: Any changes to the screening venue, schedule, or film titles must be communicated to the FDCP through an official letter at least two (2) months before the event. Requests for changes submitted beyond this period may not be accommodated.
3. FDCP Online Review and Classification Form
Complete the FDCP Online Review and Classification Form for all films included in the proposed festival lineup. Ensure that the required film information is accurate and that all screener links are provided.
All completed forms and screener links must be submitted at least three (3) months before the scheduled event, or earlier depending on the number of films to be reviewed and classified. Late submissions may not be accommodated or included in the processing schedule.
4. Promotional Materials
Submit the promotional materials for all films included in the official festival lineup to embassysupport@fdcp.gov.ph.
The submission should include available film posters, trailers, synopses, and other relevant promotional materials, as well as the official logo of the participating embassy or cultural institution, for reference and possible promotional support.
Important Reminder on the Use of the FDCP Logo
All promotional materials related to the festival or cultural event that the participating embassy or cultural institution publishes on its social media accounts and other communication platforms must prominently include the official FDCP logo to acknowledge the Council’s support and partnership.
Compliance with this requirement is mandatory and will be strictly enforced and monitored by the FDCP throughout the promotional period of the event.
5. Optical Media Board (OMB) Clearance
The FDCP may assist in facilitating the processing of the necessary import and export clearances for the shipment of film materials through Philippine Customs, subject to applicable regulations and requirements.
For inquiries and assistance, please contact Ms. Jennifer Llemos at jenniferllemos@fdcp.gov.ph.
6. FDCP Certificate of Clearance
The proponent must secure the FDCP Certificate of Clearance, which serves as confirmation that the required documents for the proposed partnership have been submitted and reviewed by the FDCP.
7. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
The proponent is required to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the FDCP, formalizing the partnership and confirming compliance with the applicable FCEP guidelines.
The MOA must be wet-signed by the authorized representative on all pages, excluding the notarial page, and printed in four (4) copies on legal-size bond paper.
The completed MOA must be submitted to the FDCP Main Office at the following address:
Film Development Council of the Philippines
Philippine Film Heritage Building
Lot 2, Block 51, Sta. Lucia Street
Barangay 657, Intramuros, Manila City
The MOA must be finalized and properly executed before the commencement of the festival or event.
Important Reminder
Applicants are advised to submit all requirements within the prescribed timelines to allow sufficient time for document verification, film review and classification, coordination, and the finalization of the partnership with the FDCP. All forms of assistance remain subject to the applicable FCEP guidelines, evaluation, and approval.
For further coordination, please feel free to contact the following:
MR. MARIO “MAX” RIVERO
International Assistance Programs
Film Cultural Exchange Program (FCEP)
Festivals Division
embassysupport@fdcp.gov.ph
EMBASSIES
- Embassy of Canada
- Embassy of Austria
- Embassy of Denmark
- Embassy of France
- Embassy of Germany
- Embassy of Hungary
- Embassy of India
- Embassy of Italy
- Embassy of Japan
- Embassy of Korea
- Embassy of Mexico
- Embassy of Norway
- Embassy of Spain
- Embassy of Sweden
- Embassy of the Argentine Republic
- Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila
- U.S. Embassy
Delegation of the European Union
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
- Goethe-Institut Philippinen
- Instituto Cervantes
- Korean Cultural Center
- Para Sa Sining
- Philippine Italian Association
- The Japan Foundation, Manila