From themed film screenings to watching Filipino movies for P50, these events will have you at the theaters all month.
Related: The New Movies And Shows Coming This September 2024
The Philippine film industry has always been strong in terms of stories and cultural reflection and relevance—however, it’s also always been criminally underrated, undersupported, and underestimated. This September, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is celebrating Philippine Film Industry Month with a smattering of film screenings and events that showcase the richness and diversity of the local film industry.
As Philippine Film Industry Month coincides with the Metro Manila Film Festival’s celebration of 50 years of contribution and impact on Philippine cinema, the events and screenings are plentiful and diverse.
There’s still a long way to go in fully and enthusiastically supporting Filipino films and filmmakers nationwide—on both the part of institutions and audiences—but taking advantage of offers and initiatives like these below would be a win all around.
SINE SINGKWENTA: PELIKULA NG BAYAN
Every year, the FDCP screens Filipino films in cinemas for only P50 in an effort to encourage people to go to theaters and patronize Philippine cinema. This year, they’re bringing Sine Singkwenta back from September 18 to 24, with the theme Pelikula ng Bayan featuring omibus seafaring Binisaya drama Huwebes Huwebes (2019), coming-of-age experimental comedy-drama Cleaners (2019), action-adventure drama Iskalawags (2013), sports documentary Little Azkals (2014), and drama film about the struggles of the Lumad (Manobo) regarding land and exploitation Tu Pug Imatuy (2017).
SINESIGLA SA SINGKWENTA
Celebrating 50 years as well this year, the Metro Manila Film Festival will screen 50 of the most popular and relevant Filipino films in theaters nationwide for starting September 25 to October 15. From Himala (1982) to Die Beautiful (2016), Insiang (1976) to Shake, Rattle, and Roll II (2002), Ang Panday (1980) to Firefly (2023), the movies to be shown at Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta are previous entries and winners across the history of the Festival. Tickets also only cost P50.
FILMS FOR PEACE
FDCP is screening local films about peace, justice, and human rights in their Films for Peace initiative, aiming to foster awareness and discourse about the themes found in each. From September 14-27, ruminate on themes like growing up under oppression, resistance, and folklore in Liway (2018), struggles during the Second World War in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), and farmers’ rights and land ownership in documentary Lupang Hinirang sa Hacienda Vicenta (2024). Catch these films at select screenings at Cinematheque Centres nationwide.
Continue Reading: What The Success Of MMFF 2023 Is Teaching Us About Cinema Culture in the Philippines
