by Claudine Uniana
ZAMBOANGA CITY, 29 Feb. (PIA 9) - - As the 2012 Zamboanga International Film Festival drew to a close, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the city government honored participating filmmakers Monday evening.
FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos expressed gratitude to the people of Zamboanga for the overwhelming success of the first-ever international film festival held in the city.
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| Mayor Celso Lobregat Monday presents a token of appreciation to Briccio Santos, Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines during the closing night of the successful 2012 Zamboanga International Film Festival, held in conjunction with the Dia de Zamboanga Festival. BENJIE BARREDO |
The just-concluded festival, which formed part of the celebration of the city’s 75th Dia de Zamboanga, screened a total of fourteen (14) cinematic pieces, including 5 Spanish films. It was the second Sineng Pambansa to be conducted in the city in two years and was highly successful.
Mayor Celso Lobregat also thanked FDCP for not only “bringing Filipino films to Filipinos” in Zamboanga but for affording the city an opportunity to correct negative misperceptions most people have of the city.
Aside from film screenings, the 2012 Zamboanga International Film Festival also held workshops for aspiring filmmakers which, Santos noted, was well attended.
Santos also praised the entries to the Cultura de Zamboanga Short Film competition which, he said, showcased the promising talents of Zamboangueno filmmakers.
Of the six short films that made it to the final judging, Aedrian Daniel Araojo’s Fuerza, Emery Lyndon Blue’s Soseso and Alphad Suba’s Correjii earned the judges’ nod, winning first, second and third place, respectively. The winning filmmakers took home PhP30,000.00 (1st), PhP20,000.00 (2nd) and PhP10,000.00, among others.
The other finalists included Mark Anthony Lee’s Momento, Swhazcy Isidro’s Roga and Alvin Dacanay’s Empesadora.
To further bring independent films to Zamboanguenos as well as encourage filmmaking endeavors in the city, Santos also revealed plans to put up a Cinematheque, a 150-seater theater, where locals can watch indie films any day of the year for free.
In response, Lobregat shared that a lot was already identified for the proposed Cineplex to be leased from the city government for twenty years at PhP 1/year.
Among those present during the awards and recognition night were Councilors Myra Paz Abubakar, Rudy Lim, Eddie Saavedra and VP Elago; artist John Arcilla, BGen. Eldon Nemenzo of the Philippine Air Force, city department heads, film makers, directors, producers and other guests. (JPA/CU/CIO/PIA- ZBST)