The Philippines has one of the oldest film industries in Southeast Asia, with a century-long history of producing films that have been critically acclaimed around the world. This September, the country celebrates its first Philippine Film Industry Month in style with a series of screenings, workshops, competitions, and other online events happening throughout the month.
Officially declared in February 2021, Filipino Film Industry Month aims to celebrate the country’s achievements in film and filmmaking, as well as recognize the industry’s contribution to Filipino society. Spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the inaugural festivities honor veteran contributions to the local film industry, while encouraging present and future creators to hone and showcase their craft.
In celebration, here’s a list of online film screenings you can watch on the FDCP Channel throughout the month—all for free!
From September 01 to 30, FDCP is holding “From The Archives: Pamanang Pelikula”, an initiative where eight classic Filipino films will be available to stream on demand. The films—including works from acclaimed directors Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Kidlat Tahimik—were digitally restored by the Philippine Film Archive.
The 5th Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino is also back for its second online run, happening from September 17 to 26. Aside from debuting new short and feature films by up-and-coming filmmakers from across the country, a series of talkbacks from participating creators will also be held on the annual festival’s Facebook page.
Finally, FDCP is set to launch “50 Years / 50 Films” on September 25; a film retrospective on the work of acclaimed director Elwood “El Maestro” Perez, one of the last living master Filipino filmmakers from the 1970s. Screenings of his best films—including Esoterika: Manila and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit—will be held from September 25 to 30.
All films will be available to stream on FDCPChannel, where guests can register an account for free. For the full list of events and more information, visit the FDCP website.
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Want to read more about the local film industry? We’ve got you covered: here’s a list of some of our best interviews and features with our friends in the world of Filipino film.
Recreating Goyo’s Historic Battles
Veteran location manager Lexter Tarriela talks to us about traveling for a living and setting up two of the biggest historical productions in Philippine cinema. Read More
Journeying Through the Islands
Writer, director, and cinematographer Ice Idanan walks us through her five-year journey of creating a feature film, and how she fell back in love with travel in the process. Read More
In Defiance of the Indie Film
Director Mikhail Red gets candid about the good and the bad of his career so far, and what it’s taught him about navigating the industry. Read More
Philippine Cinema Through the Eyes of Ricky Lee
Legendary screenwriter Ricky Lee shares his thoughts on the role of film in preserving our nation’s heritage. Read More
Behind the Scenes of "Walang Rape sa Bontoc"
Filmmaker Lester Valle shares how he brought the acclaimed documentary from thought to screen, and why we need to tell more stories like it. Read More
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