COUNCIL chief Briccio Santos at the Manila Cinematheque. Jilson Seckler Tiu
As an “innovative approach to encourage and recognize Filipino filmmakers,” the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has introduced new incentives for directors whose works will be accepted to the 2016 World Premieres Film Festival (WPFF).
Eight Filipino films selected as finalists by the festival committee will be granted a P50,000 cash prize, according to FDCP Chair Briccio Santos.
Santos said the amount of P50,000 “can go a long way, especially for our independent filmmakers. By being selected, their talent is already honored even before the award ceremonies.”
“They own the films, not the FDCP,” he pointed out.
Alongside international films, the WPFF celebrates national filmmaking talent specifically in the “Filipino New Cinema” section, which presents poignant Filipino film narratives to an international audience, the FDCP chief added.
The WPFF will be held from June 29 to July 10.
The film entries will also be in the running for the following awards: best picture (first and second place), best screenplay, best cinematography, best editing, best musical score, best sound engineering, best production design, and best lead and supporting performances.
Filipino filmmakers interested to join the festival can register and submit their entry forms online at www.wpff.ph. Deadline for submission is on May 6.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph