Guidelines for ‘Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino’ entries out

For one whole week in August, some 790 cinemas from all over the country will be screening Filipino films exclusively in an event called “Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.”

The weeklong film showcase, from Aug. 16 to 22, is a project of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

“It aims to provide a platform where Filipino films can connect to a wider Filipino audience through its nationwide release,” explained FDCP chair Liza Diño.

Ten to 12 films will be chosen by a selection committee, composed of Diño as chair, and members Jose Javier Reyes, Ricky Lee, Manet Dayrit and Erik Matti.

Asked about the kind of film likely to be chosen as finalist, film and TV director Reyes told reporters: “It should be new or should present an original approach to a particular topic,” said Reyes. “Audience appeal is also important.”

Award-winning screenwriter Lee added: “We hope the films will not be too Luzon-centric. We welcome even films on the lives of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). What’s important is the sensibility.”

The selection committee will shortlist 15 films, which will be required to present a marketing plan for their screening.

The finalists will have “a nationwide guaranteed screening for three days up to a full week in a minimum of 60 screens,” she added.

Film entries must reach the FDCP office by the following dates with the corresponding entry fees: May 19, P5,000; June 2, P7,000; and June 15, P10,000. All films must be presented with English subtitles.

The following documents should accompany the DVD of the film to be submitted: logline, summary of the film, lead actor and actress’ filmography, director’s filmography and background of production.

Producers may submit more than one entry, but only one film will be selected per producer, including coproductions.

National Cinema Association of the Philippines’ Krishna Caparas said the association would help producers in marketing the films through regular screenings of their trailers at cinemas.

“We’ll allow them to put up posters in our cinemas, as well as promote in our social media websites,” Caparas said.

Diño also clarified that all films would be merely for exhibition and that the FDCP would give Audience Choice awards to the Top 3 films. This would be based on votes from the first three screening days.