The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has announced the seven winners of 1st Sine Panitik Scriptwriting Contest, which aims to make literary masterpieces of Filipino authors into films.
The winners are: Jeffrey P. Yap for the adaptation of “The Virgin,” a short story by Kerima Polotan Tuvera; Raynier Avecilla for “Bangkang Papel” by Genoveva Edroza-Matute; Julie L. Po for “Tata Selo” by Rogelio R. Sikat; Anton Pelon for “Utos ng Hari” by Jun Cruz Reyes; Therese Anne Cayaba for the adaptation of “Sandaang Damit” by Fanny A. Garcia; Eden Helen V. Lasquite for “Magnificence” by Estrella D. Alfon, and Jeffrey P. Yap for “Faith Love and Dr. Lazaro” by Gregorio Brillantes.
A joint project of the FAP and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), “Sine Panitik” hopes to showcase a collection of published literary works—legends, children’s stories, poetry, short stories, novels and plays.
The NCCA recently pledged P460,000 for the project, according to FAP director-general Leo Martinez.
The winning scripts would be used in the production of three feature-length films. “In effect, it will be in the form of a trilogy,” said Martinez.
The writers will receive P20,000 each, as well as talent fees during film production.
The movies will be shown in theaters, initially as the entries in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave (independent) section.
“We are now working on collecting funds to produce the films,” Martinez said.
The FAP chief said his group has already sought the help of Vice President Jejomar Binay to secure funding for the production of the “Sine Panitik” pieces from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
Martinez added that the FAP would coordinate with other government agencies to make sure that “students would have access to these films.” He also said the movies would be reproduced in DVDs and distributed to schools and libraries, embassies and consulates.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph