FDCP urges public to support local films at Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino

MANILA, Philippines — The Film Development Council of the Philippines Thursday urged the public to support the films to be shown during the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) 2018, a week-long event that aims to encourage the production of quality Filipino films.

FDCP chair Liza Diño said there is a need to encourage the audience to patronize local films, noting that the ratio of films being shown in cinemas is "very lopsided" in favor of Hollywood films. 

"We all know that in the Philippines, there is a strong patronage for Hollywood films versus our local films. We are at 67 and 23 percent – yes, and this is low so we need to have programs to encourage the local audience to support Filipino films," Diño said in a press briefing in Malacañang. 

Diño said the PPP also aims to increase the diversity in the type of films being show. 

"We lack diversity and I hope platforms like this will open up opportunities for our Filipino audience to realize that there a lot of Filipino stories to be share at for them to enjoy," she added. 

PPP will run from August 15 to 21 in all cinemas nationwide. No foreign films will be shown during the week-long festival. 

The full-length film entries for this year are romantic comedy "Ang Babang Allergic sa WIFI," musical romance "Bakwit Boys," suspense political thriller "Madilim ang Gabi," comedy "Pinay Beauty," drama "Signal Rock," romance drama "The Day after Valentines," comedy "Unli Life" and action thriller "We Will Not Die Tonight." 

The special feature entries are "Balanginga: Howling Wilderness," "Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus," "High Tide, "Kiko Boksingero," "Paki." and "Tu Pug Imatuy."

Entries for the Sine Kabataan, which targets younger audiences are "Alas Nuebe ng Tanghali," "Anonymous Student Vlog," "Bahay-bahayan," "Bato Bato Pick," "Isang Tula para sa Nawawala," "Koleksyong Pamalo," "Masaya ako" and "Runner."

A grand fans day and an all-star caravan will be held on August 11 at the Quezon Memorial Circle. A film industry conference will also be held from August 17 to 18 at Novotel Araneta Center in Quezon City. The conference will feature panels and workshops with international experts and film industry leaders who will share their expertise on topics like film funding opportunities, bridging technical gaps, and storytelling. — Alexis Romero