We are currently bombarded with unprecedented amount of readily-available content on various streaming platforms. The result, at least among producers, is an even tighter competition in the already cutthroat global entertainment industries. Now how can we, still a developing country in the realm of production, compete? How can we emerge when we also have the challenge of limited development programs and funding?

Part of the Film Development Council of the Philippines' (FDCP) mandate is to promote and support the development of the local film industry through programs that will aid in the production of quality films and enhance the skills of filmmakers.

This is where the Full Circle Lab Philippines (FCL PH) comes in. It serves as a response to many challenges that the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region are currently facing.

Drawing the perfect circle

In 2017, I met then-Torino Film Lab artistic director — and currently FCL head —Matthieu Darras. In that lab, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in how filmmakers work on their projects in a collaborative setup. That sense of community really inspired me to bring this experience and lab to the Philippines.

Over coffee, I shared with Matthieuthis vision. Initially written on a tissue paper, I showed him how they can expand the lab and how we can bring in filmmakers from the region to benefit from it. The past four editions of the lab have shaped the vision into reality which is now the FCL PH.

From the onset, the lab's goal was to become sustainable. Everything would intentional — from the selection of labs to cater, to the roster of mentors. With FCL head and mentor Izabela Igel as a co-runner of the lab, this shared vision was brought together.

FCL PH just started as a domestic lab that was exclusively created to support our Filipino filmmakers. This inspired us to expand the program to support not only feature film projects but also different formats like series, animation, and documentaries.

From there, we realized that we cannot just work alone, that there is value in engaging with international filmmakers, especially those filmmakers from the same region. And so, for the next editions of the lab, we expanded.

We invited the participation of Southeast Asian projects and filmmakers, added a Creative Producers Lab last year, and for the latest edition, added the Story Editing Lab.

Creating better stories together

It is inherently Filipino and Asian that we tend to be protective and territorial with our work or be very sensitive with the criticisms of our work. However, there is value in receiving a different perspective and feedback, especially from other filmmakers and industry professionals. This, in turn, creates a more collaborative approach to filmmaking.

Film is a collaborative art form, and it takes an entire village to make one. FCL PH as a film lab normalizes the process of learning through collaboration and provides a safe space for filmmakers and mentors to immerse themselves in the process entirely.

I think the slogan and the theme this year remarkably represent the vision of FCL PH, "Create better stories." For me, the goal of FCL PH is to elevate your storytelling, to make sure that your film doesn't just resonate locally or regionally but can globally as well.

For the past two consecutive editions, we have held the FCL PH online. Now for its fourth edition, we have finally conducted the FCL PH labs onsite in the tropical and beautiful city of Lapu-Lapu in Cebu, from April 26 to 30. From CinemaCon (Las Vegas) to FCL PH (Cebu), amounting to three layovers and 31 hours of traveling, I finally arrived in Cebu to personally meet and join the mentors and participants of this year's labs.

It was such an excellent opportunity to meet the mentors in-person after two years of facing our screens. There is nothing like a collective experience amongst people who share the same vision, and I think that's what happened with this year's lab.

For many people, it was the first time to travel outside of their countries, to take that risk to immerse into something that you miss so much. It brought out the best of themselves. We couldn't have chosen a better place to hold FCL. For me, FCL PH will always have an onsite version if it's allowed.

Moving forward with the vision

With over a hundred applications from the Philippines and the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, what transpired during the five days of intensive film labs exceeded our expectations.

As the first onsite event by FDCP, after two years and months of strategic and elaborate planning with Tatino Films and FDCP's FCL PH team, FCL PH became an eventful and memorable lab for everyone.

I want to thank our mentors — I cannot ask for better mentors because each of you, with your background, with your own story to tell, with your own experiences, were so open. You willingly gave it to our participating filmmakers who were craving knowledge and insights. Your ability to create a safe space made this whole experience so unique.

To our participants, it's so inspiring to see through your projects the fulfillment of the goal of FCL PH. A vision will remain a vision if you don't see the outputs and outcomes. Concrete projects and experiences from the mentors and participants allow us to know the process. You personified the reality of FCL PH. I am very grateful for that.

As much as I look forward to seeing these projects come to life and make waves in the local and international scene, there is still so much work to be done. There is still a big chunk of filmmakers who can benefit from this lab and realize that good content or film doesn't happen overnight, that collaborative effort is the way to go during these times.

Every year, we assess how we can make it more relevant and how we can enrich the experience of our local filmmakers. Next year, we will be adding a new lab to keep up with the drastically changing industry.

We look forward to offering this exciting opportunity to filmmakers from the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Let's continue to make better stories together!

Notes from the Chair
The Sunday Times Magazine  - The Manila Times

Notes from the Chair is part of the Arts Awake section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.