MANILA, PHILIPPINES, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 — Unveiling the lineup of free film screenings, programs, projects, and activities for the whole month, the Film Development Council of Philippines (FDCP) officially began the Philippine Film Industry Month with the theme "Ngayon ang Bagong SineMula!" on September 1 with the Opening Ceremony featured in the agency’s official online pages and FDCP Channel.

The opening program for Philippine Film Industry Month 2021 was hosted by Issa Litton, which featured a presentation of the calendar of activities for the whole month of September and some highlights of its projects and activities for the film industry.

“Sa mga taga-industriya na katulad natin, napakahalaga ng selebrasyong ito. Ito’y isang buwan kung saan matutukan ng ganap na pansin ang pelikulang Pilipino at mga taong bumubuo nito. Ngayon lang nagkamit ng ganitong atensyon ang ating cinema, sa isang kakaibang panahon na puno ng mga pagsubok. Sa gitna ng isang pandemiya, mas ramdam natin ang kahulugan ng pagdiriwang na ito,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño in her opening remarks.

An online campaign that aims to support the anticipated resumption of local cinemas, the #NoodTayoNgSine was launched with a Campaign Reel starring actress Therese Malvar. The campaign also held a free screening of the documentary film “Palasyo ng Pelikula '' by Howie Severino on the FDCP Channel followed by a quiz night. 

A virtual tour for the relaunch of FDCP’s five Cinematheques in Iloilo, Davao, Nabunturan, Baguio and Manila and a teaser for the upcoming annual film industry conference, the International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) from September 16 to 19 were highlighted during the program. 

FDCP announced the 24 official participants and projects for Full Circle Lab (FCL) Philippines 2021 to be held on September 20 to October 1 is a capacity-building program, led by international industry experts, that aims to support Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers in enhancing their projects to become globally competitive. Also present in the program was FCL director Matthieu Darras, sharing a few words on their goal for the 3rd FCL Philippines.

FDCP, in partnership with the International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFFM), also  announced its  call for entries for #FutureSilentFilmmaker Viral Video Challenge, a 1-minute silent short film open to Filipino amateaur filmmakers aged 16 and below. Entries posted on TikTok and Instagram from September 1 to November 15, 2020 will be eligible. Wrapping up the evening event was a musical performance from Ice Seguerra. 

The first day of the Philippine Film Industry Month also kicked off with the FDCP’s partnership with the Civil Service Commission for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani screenings of “Ang Turkey Man Ay Pabo Rin” by Randolph Longjas and the restored versions of “Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa” and “Dekada ’70” by Chito S. Roño at the FDCP Channel from September 1 to 12. Pamanang Lingkod Bayani is the Commission’s special project honoring civil servants who died in the line of duty. 

The month-long celebration runs from September 1-30, 2021. 

Watch THE PHILIPPINE FILM INDUSTRY MONTH OPENING CEREMONY at FDCP Facebook Page.