by Sheila Covarrubias
ZAMBOANGA CITY, 22 Feb. (PIA 9) - - The much-awaited 2012 Zamboanga International Film festival set in the city from February 25-27, will feature local and international independent films perking up the celebration of the 75th Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga.
Jointly organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the City Government of Zamboanga, the film festival is the second joint undertaking of the two agencies since the successful Sineng Pambansa Film Festival staged last year, also in conjunction with the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.
Mayor Celso Lobregat and FDCP Chairman Briccio Santos and other personalities from the national film industry are expected to meet the press Saturday, February 25 at 9am in City Hall to discuss about the film festival.
Red Carpet Night is set Saturday evening at 7pm at the National Museum Courtyard.
The screening will be for free at the Mindpro Cinema 1 and 2 from Feb. 25-27 from 9am to 8pm.
On the first day, Saturday, Feb. 25, the films to be screened at Cinema 1 include Urduja at 9:30am; Chico y Rita at 11:30am; 18 Comidas at 1:30pm; Yo Tambien at 3:30pm and Thelma at 5:30pm. At Cinema 3 on the same day, Xenoa will be on screen at 10am; Balangay at 12noon; Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa at 2pm; Teoriya at 4pm and Red Shoes at 6pm.
The second day (Feb. 26) screening at Cinema 1 will be Yo Tambien at 9:30am; Teoriya at 11:30am; Xenoa at 1:30pm; Urduja at 3:30 pm and Balangay at 5:30pm while at Cinema 3 the films will include Iliw at 10am; Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa at 12noon; Biyaheng Lupa at 2pm; screening of a Short Film competition finalist at 4pm and Tambien Iluvia at 6pm.
On the other hand, the day 3 (Feb. 27) screening at Cinema 1 will include Thelma at 9:30am; Urduja at 11:30am; Teoriya at 1:30pm; Chico Y Rita at 3:30pm and Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa at 5:30pm while Cinema 3 will screen 18 Comidas at 10am; Tambien La Iluvia at 12noon; Xenoa at 2pm; La Mitad de Oscar at 4pm and Biyaheng Lupa at 6pm.
Meanwhile, an added feature in this year’s film festival is the 1st Zamboanga short film competition for Zamboangueno potential film makers.
The announcement of winners will be done on Feb. 27 during the closing program of the Zamboanga International Film festival at the Lantaka Hotel.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lobregat reiterated his support to the FDC’s thrust to revitalize and reinvigorate local film industry by co-sponsoring the film fest in conjunction with the Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga celebration. He extended invitation to all residents and visitors to take part in the film festival.
The city government is assisting the FDCP in the construction of a cinematheque by providing the site which is the area at the back of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Pettit Barracks. (JPA/ SC/CIO/PIA- ZBST)