MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently co-hosted the first Academic Film Society meeting of 2025 with iACADEMY. The event brought together representatives from different universities, colleges, and high schools nationwide, all united in offering film education.
This initiative underscores the FDCP’s commitment to nurturing the future of Philippine cinema. The national agency is focused on empowering students by providing them with workshops, financial assistance, and other support necessary to develop their skills in filmmaking.
The AFS is an FDCP-led program designed to foster a community of student filmmakers. Beyond supporting student development, the AFS also aims to integrate film into broader academic activities and provide educators with training on effectively using film in teaching.
The AFS gathering, held at iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. The meeting focused on outlining the FDCP’s plans and programs for the first half of 2025, specifically designed to benefit AFS member institutions and their students.
iACADEMY President and Chief Operating Officer Raquel Perez-Wong welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of 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,” Wong stated. She further expressed her hope for the event to spark new collaborations, encourage bold storytelling, and celebrate the unifying art of film.
Meanwhile, FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes expressed his gratitude to the educators and institutions for their participation. He stressed the vital role of education and his shared belief with Wong in the power of film to sustain the industry’s vitality.
Direk Joey also underscored the importance of AFS in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical filmmaking. He emphasized the need to support educators and provide students with opportunities to explore their unique voices and perspectives through cinema.
FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz presented the film-related events supported by AFS, such as talks, workshops, and student film festivals, and outlined the FDCP’s offerings to its members.
On the other hand, FDCP Exhibition Division Head Jeanivieve Lopez-Marcos promoted subscriptions to JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel and other film-related events with educational components, to cultivate a more film-literate society and advance film education across the country.
An 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 various schools engaged in discussions about 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 both the FDCP and its member institutions. The collaborative spirit and the 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.
