The Manila city government recently inaugurated the Manila Film Festival, embracing the theme “Manila in Me” as a celebration of local talent and creativity.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said the festival’s role in showcasing the diverse talents of young filmmakers, highlighting Manila as a vibrant hub for nurturing artistic skills.
The festival, traditionally featuring full-length movies, has now shifted focus to include short films, aimed at refining the craft of emerging filmmakers by encouraging concise storytelling within a limited time frame.
The much-anticipated premiere is slated for June 4, with the festival scheduled to run from June 5 to 11, 2024.
The decision to spotlight young filmmakers reflects a belief in their pivotal role as the future of the nation, with Lacuna underscoring the festival as a platform to spotlight students’ creative prowess, potentially positioning Manila as a burgeoning ‘cinematic center’ in the years to come.
Vice Mayor Yul Servo pledged support for the initiative, announcing plans for the Manila City Council to waive fees for venues used by filmmakers, responding to Lacuna’s call to facilitate the creative process.
Additionally, Lacuna announced grants for the eight selected filmmakers to alleviate production costs, further nurturing their cinematic endeavors.
Tourism chief Charlie Dungo echoed Lacuna’s sentiment, emphasizing the festival’s potential to promote Manila’s tourism through cinematic exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions.
Dungo revealed that alongside the eight selected entries, four movies by esteemed directors will be featured, enriching the festival’s lineup with diverse perspectives.
Out of 69 submissions, a meticulous selection process narrowed down the entries to 15 before finalizing the esteemed eight. The festival’s theme, “Manila in Me,” transcends geographical boundaries, symbolizing the collective Filipino experience.
Organizers clarified that while Manila serves as the focal point, the theme embodies a broader cultural identity.
Ticket prices will be disclosed in due course, with organizer Kreativden CEO Kaye Valenzuela affirming a commitment to affordability, particularly for student attendees, ensuring widespread accessibility to the cinematic celebration.