May 26, 2025
Lights, Camera, Education! Film Development Council of the Philippines partners with iACADEMY to mount 1st Academic Film Society 2025 meet
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recently co-hosted with iACADEMY the first Academic Film Society meeting for 2025, bringing together representatives from universities, colleges, and high schools nationwide that offer film subjects and other film-related programs.
The FDCP is strengthening its commitment to the future of Filipino filmmaking. The national agency aims to empower students by providing access to workshops, financial assistance, and other essential support to hone their skills and contribute to the growth of Philippine cinema.
The AFS is an FDCP-led initiative which aims to cultivate a strong community of student filmmakers. Beyond student development, the AFS also promotes the use of film in broader academic activities and offers training for educators on effectively integrating film in teaching.
DIALOGUE, COLLABORATION
The gathering at iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, with a key focus on outlining the FDCP’s plans and programs for the first half of 2025 to benefit AFS member institutions and their students.
iACADEMY President and Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez-Wong welcomed the attendees to the event. “Today, we come together not just as individuals but as a thriving community of filmmakers, educators, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of Philippine cinema.”
“As we embark on this gathering, let this be more than just an exchange of ideas. Let it be a spark for new collaborations, a catalyst for bold storytelling, and a celebration of the art that unites us all,” Perez-Wong shared.
FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes thanked the educators and institutions for attending the event. He stressed the importance of education and what Wong described as their “unwavering belief in the power of film” in keeping the industry alive.
Reyes emphasized the importance of the AFS in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical filmmaking. He highlighted the need to support educators and provide students with opportunities to explore their unique voices and perspectives through cinema.
Moreover, he discussed the crucial role the AFS plays in promoting film literacy and appreciation among the student population by encouraging film-related events with educational components, such as talks, workshops, and fora, to cultivate a more film-literate society.
FILM EDUCATION
The meeting identified the diverse needs of schools and explored how AFS can best serve their institutions, discussing the progress of film education in member institutions for 2025.
Towards promoting Juanflix, the FDCP channel, the AFS said it would offer educational subscriptions to members.
Other issues tackled included: realignment of the FDCP events calendar for student and faculty participation, discussions regarding the faculty symposium partnership between the Philippine Association of Communication Educators and FDCP scheduled in the coming months, and the possibility of a second edition of the Film Education Convention in 2026.
Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz presented the film-related events supported by AFS and what the FDCP can offer to the members as part of its mandate.
WORKSHOPS, MASTERCLASSES
The FDCP is organizing workshops led by local film experts and collaborating with international groups to provide specialized training, such as the “Cinematic na Authentic: Finding your Voice in Visual Storytelling” workshop in partnership with the Mowelfund Film Institute. This program is an intensive hands-on program focused on cinematography.
Student Film Assistance Program
The FDCP continues to offer the SFAP, providing financial grants up to P50,000 to eligible student filmmakers from AFS-registered institutions for their thesis or capstone projects. This program alleviates financial constraints, enabling students to realize their creative visions.
Access to FDCP Facilities and Platforms
AFS members can utilize FDCP resources, including cinematheque centres across the country for screenings and events, and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel for virtual film festivals, offering valuable platforms for showcasing student work.
Industry Connections and Networking
The FDCP facilitates connections between emerging filmmakers and industry professionals through various events and programs, providing invaluable networking opportunities.
Curated Film Screenings and Talkback Sessions
The AFS organizes screenings of exemplary student short films, followed by engaging talkback sessions with the filmmakers to foster a deeper understanding of the craft and provide constructive feedback.
JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel
FDCP Exhibition Head Jeanivieve Lopez-Marcos promoted JuanFlix educational subscriptions and programs to advance film education nationwide.
The open forum, moderated by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez, addressed benefits for AFS members, membership concerns, and aligning partner schools with the FDCP’s 2025 event calendar.
Representatives from different schools discussed film education, shared best practices, and explored opportunities for collaboration on school projects.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and commitment from the FDCP and its member institutions. The collaborative spirit and upcoming programs promise a dynamic year for film education, paving the way for a brighter future for Philippine cinema with a new generation of talented and well-equipped filmmakers.
The FDCP continues to encourage academic institutions and student film organizations to join the AFS and become part of a growing community dedicated to the art and craft of filmmaking.
