Twelve masters’ fest

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has announced the names of the 12 filmmakers included in next year’s Sineng Pambansa: Master Directors’edition.

They are Celso Ad Castillo, Elwood Perez, Romy Suzara, Jun Urbano, Gil Portes, Maryo J. de los Reyes, Peque Gallaga, Mel Chionglo, Tikoy Aguiluz, Joel Lamangan, Carlos Siguion-Reyna and Jose Javier Reyes.

The filmmakers will receive a seed fund from the FDCP’s Film Investment Program to help them realize their dream movies, which will be set in their respective hometowns. For example, Perez will make a film in Pampanga; Castillo in Laguna; De los Reyes in Bohol; Gallaga in Bacolod; Aguiluz in Davao.

FDCP chairman Briccio Santos said the masters’ fest didn’t just “recognize the artistic contributions” of these veterans; shooting in their respective provinces would also boost regional filmmaking and could “serve as a springboard for the promotion of these areas as shooting locations.” Bayani San Diego Jr.