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BY RHICK LARS VLADIMER ALBAY
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Tuesday, january 10, 2017
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THE Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has been in full-swing, ushering a new age of interest towards Philippine Cinema. Whether it’s putting up developing Cinematheques around our archipelago or restoring great classics, FDCP is gradually bringing Filipino films to the Filipino people, one frame at a time.
A great departure from the run-down theatres, with their dilapidated marquees and shady patrons that used to scattered all around Iloilo City Proper, is the Cinematheque Iloilo, a growing medium for the sharing of the finest films ever made, just waiting for an audience to come and visit.
The Cinematheque Iloilo is one of the institutions established by the FDCP across our country in their endeavor to “bring Filipino films to Filipinos.” FDCP envisions its developing cinematheques to become accessible venues for the presentation of “Classic and contemporary Filipino films, both mainstream and independent.”
Housing all the necessary equipment of a modern film theatre, the Cinematheque Iloilo makes sure each film gets the treatment it deserves. The viewing experience is heightened by clear and crisp images, cozy chairs and fully functional air conditioners ensure comfort while watching hour-long films. The Cinematheque also has an art gallery where creations by different young Ilonggo visual artists are displayed. Averaging to 12 screenings of different films a week, most if not all of which is free admission, the Cinematheque Iloilo gives a chance for viewers to witness rarities and timeless classics seldom screened here in the Philippines.
Inaugurated in January of 2012, the Cinematheque Iloilo has become the annual host of the CineKasimanwa Film Festival and Sineng Pambansa which showcases both local and foreign films.
In response to the new curated format of the Metro Manila Film Festival recently, effectively sidelining the more profit-oriented studio flicks and the yearly reboots of Enteng Kabisote et el., Sen. Titio Sotto suggested that there should be two separate film festivals one for “indies” and another for the “blockbuster” drivel production companies churn out every year.
Gems of the Philippine cinema Irma Adlawan and Mercedes Cabral had the perfect response: “Indie or mainstream, it doesn’t matter, film is film.” The new and improved MMFF is a step in the right direction to set the stage for a new golden age of Filipino cinema.
It’s not that Filipinos don’t want to see mature and well-made movies that tackle difficult themes, it’s just that it’s often inaccessible to the people. And as fewer and fewer people get to see these limited releases, Philippine talent and potential often don’t receive the support and accolades they deserve.
Do your part in supporting local artists and local films.
Cinemateque Iloilo is located at B and C Square, corner Iznart and Solis Street, Iloilo City, regularly screening local and international movies from Tuesday to Sunday. You may visit the FDCP website or the official Cinematheque Iloilo Facebook page for their weekly schedule of films./PN
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