The Film Development Council of the Philippines has been designated as the lead agency for the celebration of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema from September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 622 Series of 2018, the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema was declared in honor of Dalagang Bukid by Jose Nepomuceno, considered the first Filipino-produced and directed feature film. It was released in Sept 12, 1919. “The One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in honor of the journey of this incredible art form and cultural marker. Film is a part of every Filipino as one of the most accessible and affective mediums that tell our stories, struggles, victories, and our growth as a people. We are grateful to the Office of the President for recognizing the importance of this milestone,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. “We look forward to commemorating Sandaan, as we call this celebration, not just with our fellow government agencies, but with all sectors of society. We encourage each and every Filipino to join us continue the legacy of our Cinema and look forward to the next hundred years.” she added.
Starting this year, the Agency has organized the Sandaan National Organizing Committee with key government agencies and institutions such as the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, MTRCB, Optical Media Board, Film Academy of the Philippines, UP Film Institute, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and local and regional film festivals in the country. The activities for the year for Sandaan will be in line with themes of knowledge production, education, exhibition and international events.
In anticipation of the celebration and through the efforts of FDCP, the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema has already been integrated in the Agency’s activities and events through the conduct of the Sandaan Conferences, a series of lectures and talks featured in its partnerships with local and regional film festivals in the country. In 2017, the Agency also partnered with the UP Film Institute for Sandaan: Philippine Cinema Centennial Conference. It has also been recognized by international film festivals and markets by declaring the Philippines as the Country of Focus in the Osaka Asian Film Festival, Focus on Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival in Japan, Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, Exground Film Festival in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Singapore Media Festival in Singapore. Featured in these are retrospectives of films, exhibits and educational talks that highlight the journey of Philippine Cinema to where it is today.
As 2019 approaches, the agency and the National Organizing Committee will enjoin various sectors to ensure the nationwide celebration of the centennial event.
