Just months after the original Winnie the Pooh and its accompanying characters were moved to the public domain, a movie announcement was made revealing that a slasher based on its characters is already in production.
Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey turns the iconic yellow bear and its pal, Piglet, into bloodthirsty murderers on a killing spree. The first trailer has been recently released, and it already gives us a first glance at the gore it has in store for slasher fans out there.
Watch the trailer for Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey below:
The film takes a group of teens to a twisted version of the 100 Acre Wood. What awaits them are two deranged creatures– Pooh and Piglet– who are out for blood after their best friend, Christopher Robin, abandoned them.
Written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the film stars Craig David Dowsett, Nikolai Leon, Amber Doig-Thorne, Danielle Scott, and Maria Taylor. The film’s release date has yet to be announced.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
Last September 3, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power attracted more than 25 million global viewers on its first day, breaking all previous records, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video. The serieslaunched exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said: “It is somehow fitting that Tolkien’s stories – among the most popular of all time, and what many consider to be the true origin of the fantasy genre – have led us to this proud moment. I am so grateful to the Tolkien Estate – and to our showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, executive producer Lindsey Weber, cast and crew – for their tireless collaborative efforts and boundless creative energy. And it is the tens of millions of fans watching – clearly as passionate about Middle-earth as we are – who are our true measure of success.”
Episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will launch weekly through the October 14 season finale on Prime Video.
Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
The series is led by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, J.A. Bayona, Belén Atienza, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Bruce Richmond, and Sharon Tal Yguado, and producers Ron Ames and Christopher Newman. Wayne Che Yip is co-executive producer and directs along with J.A. Bayona and Charlotte Brändström.
A world-renowned literary work, and winner of the International Fantasy Award and Prometheus Hall of Fame Award, The Lord of the Rings was named Amazon customers’ favorite book of the millennium in 1999 and Britain’s best-loved novel of all time in BBC’s “The Big Read” in 2003.The Lord of the Rings books have been translated into over 38 languages and have sold more than 150 million copies.
Helmed by George Miller (blockbuster director of countless iconic films such as Babe, Pig in The City, Happy Feet, and the mind-blowing franchise films Mad Max: The Road Warrior & Mad Max: Fury Road) Three Thousand Years of Longing is adapted from the highly beloved short story The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye by A.S. Byatt.
Starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, 3000 Years of Longing whisks the audience away on a mystical and epic adventure. The magical tale begins where Dr. Alithea Binnie (Swinton) travels to Istanbul to present at a conference. While looking for a souvenir, she finds herself strangely drawn to a file of trinkets and accidentally found a beautiful memento… unaware that this relic will change her life forever.
A mythical Djinn (Elba) reveals that he has been trapped in the relic, and offers Dr. Binne three wishes in exchange for his freedom. As a solitary academic and creature of reason, Dr. Binnie doubts if he is real and reminds the Djinn of numerous cautionary tales of wishes gone wrong. Desperate for his freedom, Djinn pleads his case to the skeptical Dr. Binnie, who ultimately makes a wish that neither could have expected.
Moviegoers can expect a dazzling spectacle and adventure of a lifetime in the must-see film of 2022. Hailed as a “visual feast” at this year’s Cannes international film festival, and earned a standing ovation that lasted 6 minutes, 3000 Years of Longinghas garnered rave reactions across the globe. Slashfilm.com proclaims: “this movie reaffirms George Miller as one of the great magicians of cinema working today.” Awards Daily’s calls this film: “a mythical extravaganza that packs an unexpected humanistic punch.” And IGN.com describes how: “Miller revitalizes the Arabian Nights with a technological twist… while Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba give it their all.”
Both lead actors are eager for audiences to finally see the movie on the big screen, with all its unprecedented spectacle and engaging narrative.
“I think the biggest challenge was always [being] conscious that the audience has seen some version of this character, albeit a cartoon version or some comical version,” Idris said in an interview withYahoo News. “I was really conscious for this character to be believable and relatable and interesting to watch. It’s got to be less than that [comical style] and something unique.”
Swinton likewise shared her thoughts, “We were actually talking about this film for several years before we started shooting. The more time went by, the more relevant I thought this film was going to be,” she said. “People know more about being locked in a bottle for three thousand years than they might have three years ago,” she said. “They also know what it’s like to be locked down in your own homes.”
From Go Asia Entertainment, 3000 Years of Longing will open in cinemas nationwide on September 14.
Prime Video concluded its Gala Premiere of the highly anticipated series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power last September 1 at the Flower Dome in Singapore. The event was attended by more than 200 guests, among them celebrities from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as Erika North, Director of Prime Video, government representatives, brand partners and fans ofThe Lord of the Rings franchise. Attendees were among the first in Southeast Asia to watch the first two episodes of the series. Prime Video will launch The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power today, September 2 in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.
From left to right: Mario Maurer, Pierre Png, Anne Curtis-Smith, Chicco Jerikho
From left to right: Piolo Pascual, Donny Pangilinan, Ian Veneracion, Jericho Rosales
An immersive, full sensory experience
The Singapore premiere offered guests and immersive, full sensory experience: Themes of Light versus Dark, Hope versus Despair were brought to life through visual cues, interactive displays and through the food served. The juxtaposition of themes took attendees on a journey of wonder and discovery.
From left to right: Donny Pangilinan, Karylle Yuzon, Yael Yuzon, Ananda Everingham,Baifern, Nana Mirdad, Andrew White
About The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Series
Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone. The series is led by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay and stars a celebrated cast led by Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sir Lenny Henry, Ema Horvath, Markella Kavenagh, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Dylan Smith, Charlie Vickers, Leon Wadham, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, and Sara Zwangobani.
Jo Koy has made his name in stand-up comedy for his hilarious routines rooted in his Filipino-American heritage and experiences growing up. But beyond his relatable jokes about Vicks VapoRub, lost lunchboxes, and munggo, Jo Koy is now making Hollywood history with his film Easter Sunday.
Now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide, Easter Sunday is the first film with an all-Filipino lead cast to be produced by a major Hollywood studio. And it was Amblin’s Steven Spielberg himself, who wanted to put Jo Koy and his movie pitch on the big screen after seeing his Netflix special Comin’ In Hot.
The film follows the struggling comedian Joe Valencia who joins his Filipino family for Easter Sunday, but with his quarreling mother and tita, a TV show opportunity at bay, a son he can’t seem to make time for, and a cousin caught up with dangerous gangsters, Joe is up for a chaotic holiday.
Last Tuesday, August 30, Jo Koy joined the Philippine media at the press conference for Easter Sunday. Here, Jo Koy talked about his journey as a stand-up comedian, from getting into Netflix to turning his dream film into a reality in Hollywood which has long snubbed specificity in Asian characters. Here are some highlights of the press conference.
A rough road of rejections
Jo Koy may all be smiles and funny faces whenever we see him on stage, but the comedian’s rise to fame wasn’t an easy one, as he revealed during the press conference. The Comedy Central channel really kicked off his career as a comedian on TV, but Jo Koy also shared one of his most discouraging moments when he performed for the network.
“[It was like 2009], it was a long time ago, and I thought personally it was an incredible routine and I was hurt because they didn’t even air it,” shared Jo Koy. “And I was just like, ‘Hey, what’s going on right now?’ Like, they shot all of these specials and for some reason, mine just got buried. I was like, ‘Why is it not being played?’ There were times when I just wanted to quit, like ‘Why am I even doing this?’”
But the comedian kept going, citing his love for the art form of stand-up comedy. “I just love what it takes to get in front of people and make them laugh and tell a story,” he said. Of course, all of this paid off.
Jo Koy gained even more popularity when his comedy specials dropped on streaming platforms, most especially on Netflix. But getting that Netflix fame wasn’t easy either, because he was faced with multiple rejections before he finally got that spot on the streaming platform.
“My first special, Live From Seattle, they turned that down like eight times. They kept saying no to me, to the point where I was like, ‘Okay I’ll fund it myself and I’ll shoot it myself’ and I paid for that special and I sold it to Netflix,” explained the comedian. “If that didn’t happen, then Steven Spielberg would have never seen the second one, and that’s the one that Steven brought me in and asked me if I had a movie idea. You know what I mean? I was gonna do it no matter what.”
The comedian further shared that he also had to pull money from his own pockets for his second and third specials, just so he could produce them at the venues that he wanted but Netflix wouldn’t approve of. Jo Koy persisted and we got Comin’ In Hot which was shot in Hawaii and In His Elements shot right here in the Philippines.
“I wanted to showcase Filipinos. I wanted to show what the islands look like. I wanted to show what our people look like. I wanted to show how talented we are. I wanted to show Filipinos that are in the Philippines and give them a chance to shine on a platform like Netflix, and then have Filipinos from America and bring them to the Motherland and let them perform in front of Filipinos,” shared Jo Koy about making In His Elements.
Darren Espanto and more Filipino talents were showcased at the Philippine red carpet premiere of ‘Easter Sunday’.
But Jo Koy also noted that he now has a beautiful relationship with Netflix and the new people from the platform who he gets to make deals with. He even announced his fourth Netflix special shot at the Great Western Forum, which will be released this September 13.
An opportunity from Amblin
While it was a rough road getting his routines into Netflix, it seemed like Jo Koy finally caught a break when he was called in to pitch a film to Amblin. As it would appear, he just charmed the Steven Spielberg with his humor. According to Jo Koy, he thought it would just be another opportunity where he would give a pitch and nothing happens, because “that’s what happens in Hollywood,” but nope– Spielberg was intent on getting Jo Koy’s idea out there.
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH
“What happened was I walked into Amblin and everybody’s like ‘Oh Steven loves you, Steven thinks you’re very funny, Steven this, Steven that,’ and you hear that and you’re like ‘Are you talking about Steven from accounting? [laughs] Like this can’t be Steven Spielberg, there’s just no way!”
But it was indeed Spielberg, and they agreed on producing a film that will have a global theatrical release. The comedian also noted that the renowned filmmaker only made two movies from that meeting, Easter Sunday and Jurassic World.
Filling in the Filipino representation in Hollywood
Easter Sunday isn’t just borne out of Jo Koy’s struggles, he makes this clear. The long journey to have Filipinos really represented on the big screen was also the struggle of many Hollywood actors and artists from the Motherland. This is why Jo Koy was certain that he wanted the veteran Hollywood actors Lou Diamond Phillips and Tia Carrere to be part of Easter Sunday.
“Back in the day, if you’re Filipino– it doesn’t even matter if you’re Filipino– if you’re just Asian, they’ll [round] you up in a group. That’s how racist Hollywood was,” said Jo Koy. “One thing [Tia Carrere] said to me, she said ‘You know I used to go out for roles? And the description would be Asian with a thick accent…’ That’s the kind of characters that she has to go in for, and [Easter Sunday] was the first movie where she got to play a Filipino, in her 42 years in Hollywood.”
It was these actors that had to go “to the trenches” so that a film like Easter Sunday would become a reality today. “They were there before anybody, they had to go through the hard Hollywood,” said Jo Koy.
Tia Carrere and Lydia Gaston. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH
Jo Koy on future film prospects
Easter Sunday gives Filipinos a first in Hollywood history, and we can’t help but wonder, what’s next? For Jo Koy, he wants to make more opportunities for everyone in terms of representation in Hollywood, not just as an actor but also from behind the scenes.
“Most importantly, for me, I want to also have my hand not only in front of the camera but behind the camera. I also want to open doors, to not just specific roles,” explained Jo Koy, also citing how the Filipino stereotypes he would often joke about remain prominent in Hollywood. “‘Oh, that’s a nurse, that has to be a Filipino,’ I don’t want that anymore. I want it to be anybody, a CEO of a business– Filipino; a cop, a singer, I don’t care. Let’s just have these roles for everybody, and I just don’t want to open doors for Filipinos, I want to open doors for everybody. So yes, I want to create more, I want to produce more.”
Eugene Cordero and Jo Koy with Lou Diamond Philips. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures PH.
So besides his comedy specials, Filipinos can also expect Jo Koy’s further foray into the film industry. As Jo Koy’s journey had proven, getting there was no joke, but we can expect that the comedian will continue to persevere.
“Don’t close the door on anybody, if you have the light, share it. If you have the stage, open it up and let other people on it. There’s enough light for everybody, just remember that,” Jo Koy tells everyone in the room as the program ended.
Easter Sundayis directed by Jay Chandrasekhar. Also part of the cast are Lydia Gaston, Brandon Wardell, Eva Noblezada, Elena Juatco, Rodney To, Eugene Cordero, Melody Butui, Joey Guila, Tiffany Hadish, and Jimmy O. Yang. The film is now showing in cinemas nationwide, buy your tickets here.
Since its arrival here in the Philippines, Netflix has been continuously bringing us great content to stream on our favorite devices. Whether it’s a compelling drama with interesting characters, a thrilling title that keeps us at the edge of our seats, comedies that give us our much-needed dose of laughter, or just anything that keeps us entertained on the couch or on the go, we surely can count on the streaming service’s rich library of shows and movies.
If you’re always on the lookout for Netflix’s latest releases, then look no further! We’ve listed down ten shows and films to anticipate and add to your watchlist this month of September!
This Korean drama follows a veterinarian from the big city who gets relocated to the countryside against his will. Here, he meets a policewoman who hides a friendly secret.
the film follows the unlikely team-up of the former school queen bee and an awkward transfer student as they take revenge on their tormentors in school.
The live-action series based on the animated show, Winx, is back for a second season. After Alfea’s old regime has ended, the Winx gang will discover new magic, new romances, new faces, and a new danger lurking in the shadows.
A group of sixth graders decided to play on an apartment building that’s about to be demolished, but they find themselves caught up in a strange phenomenon and stranded in the middle of a vast sea.
Mga Kwentong Epik: Maria Makiling
September 16
Hosted by Kuya Bodjie, this motion comics tells the story of one of the most popular mythical figures in Philippine folklore, Maria Makiling.
Inspired by the real events that shocked the world, this limited series depicts the youth soccer team and their coach who were trapped inside a cave in Thailand.
Fans may check with their favorite theaters for ticket prices and screening schedule.
Based on the best-selling novel by Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. “Delia created a classic, timeless story with this book,” says the film’s director, Olivia Newman. “A romance, an underdog story, a murder mystery, a criminal trial, with a distinctive setting that lends to the drama and scope. We wanted to honor that with a faithful adaptation.”
Today’s announcement of the sneaks by Columbia Pictures coincides with the milestone that Where the Crawdads Sing has just achieved last week — the film has crossed the $100 million benchmark globally. The gripping drama has now amassed $78.8M domestic (US) and $21.5M from the international box office (Australia, New Zealand and Europe).
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
It has also been embraced by fans and critics alike with an Audience Score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. “This is a movie about fighting back against male intransigence that has the courage of its outsider spirit,” says the review in Variety, while The Chicago Sun Times writes “Daisy Edgar-Jones’ performance and the gorgeous imagery redeem the book adaptation.”
Underscoring the film’s rich literary origins, The Washington Post likens the film to “a Southern-fried `The Blue Lagoon’ meets `Murder, She Wrote’ — and topped off with a sprinkling of `To Kill a Mockingbird.’”
Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures
Finally, Coming Soon attests that “a captivating lead performance and a powerful ending ultimately keep this movie watchable for any fans of Delia Owens’s fascinating novel,” while National Post concludes, “over its two-plus hours I sat spellbound and intrigued. If a film can be described as a page-turner, Where the Crawdads Sing is that.”
3000 Pictures presents in association with HarperCollins Publishers a Hello Sunshine production, Where the Crawdads Sing. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr., and David Strathairn. Directed by Olivia Newman. Produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. Screenplay by Lucy Alibar. Based upon the novel by Delia Owens. The executive producers are Rhonda Fehr and Betsy Danbury. The director of photography is Polly Morgan, ASC. The production designer is Sue Chan. The editor is Alan Edward Bell, ACE. The costume designer is Mirren Gordon-Crozier. The music is by Mychael Danna.
Where the Crawdads Sing is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #CrawdadsMovie
If you feel like spending some of your free time this month of September on the couch, watching films, PBO Channel has you covered with their lineup of Pinoy movies. And to make it even easier for you, we’ve rounded up eight movies from their lineup that you might want to catch on your TV!
Check them out below:
Girlfriend for Hire
September 2, 11:30 PM | September 14, 5:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVNglZTD5Do
Mañanita
September 4, 7:30 AM | September 19, 1 PM | September 30, 10:30 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zYHp3Eto5Q
Unforgettable
September 5, 3:15 PM | September 18, 5:15 PM | September 23, 11 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iggIFDFczwA&t
Mang Kepweng Returns
September 5, 11 AM | September 16, 5:15 PM | September 24, 6:30 PM | September 27, 6:15 AM
This Guy’s In Love With U Mare
September 5, 7:30 PM | September 17, 12:30 PM | September 30, 1 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6FynHpSOm4
Wang Fam
September 7, 1:30 PM | September 18, 7:15 PM | September 26, 5:30 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCNdndSQcgQ
The Write Moment
September 7, 5:45 PM | September 17, 12 AM
Double Barrel
September 9, 11:30 AM | September 14, 9:30 PM | September 19, 3:30 PM
—
For more Movies on PBO Channel this September and for the daily schedules of PBO, click here.
[Note: schedules are subject to change without prior notice]
“Emergency Declaration”, which now sits comfortably at the number 5 spot in the Highest Grossing South Korean films of 2022, is about to hit Philippine cinemas come August 31st.
Written and directed by the multi-awarded writer-director Han Jae-Rim (The King, The Face Reader, The Show Must Go On), this aviation disaster action thriller brings together some of the biggest actors that reign in Korean moviedom.
Song Kang-Ho (Parasite, The Drug King, Broker) portrays a veteran cop named In-ho who cancels a trip to Hawaii because of work. His wife, however, pushes through with the planned vacation. Alas, the flight that’s supposed to lead to a Hawaiian escapade suddenly becomes a flight of terror as a fellow passenger starts coughing up blood and then meets a gruesome death, the reason unknown. Unable to escape from a plane that has already taken off, not only the passengers but also the flight crew are unable to avoid the slowly impending disaster.
On the ground, In-ho receives a tip about a man threatening a terrorist attack against a plane. Realizing that the man and his wife boarded the same flight, and becoming aware that the plane is being refused to land anywhere, In-ho devotes everything he has to solving the crisis.
Lee Byung-Hun (The Man Standing Next, Ashfall, Keys to the Heart) plays Jae-hyuk, a man who has aerophobia, but flies anyway for the sake of his daughter who needs medical treatment. And now that their lives are all in danger, Jae-hyuk’s courage will be put to the test.
Jeon Do-yeon (Beasts Clawing at Straws, Ashfall, A Man and A Woman) is Sook-hee, the Transport Minister who has the overwhelming responsibility of ensuring the safety of Flight KI501 that is currently travelling between countries.
Kim Nam-gil (The Closet, The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale, Memoire of a Murderer) plays Hyun-soo, the co-pilot who must land the plane safely at all cost. Keeping in close contact with the crisis management center on the ground, he tries his best to keep the plane aloft, but with no solution in sight he finds himself having to make an ‘emergency declaration’.
Yim Si-wan (The Merciless, One-Line, A Melody to Remember) plays Jin-seok, the cause of all the chaos. After loitering about Incheon International Airport and asking for a flight with the most number of passengers, Jin-seok boards Flight KI501. With his innocent-looking face, nobody would have guessed what evil deed he’s capable of.
Kim So-jin (Escape from Mogadishu, Spring Song, The Man Standing Next) plays Hee-jin, the head flight attendant. She’s been thinking of wrapping up her career in the sky after this flight. But will she even live past this? Would she be able to save lives if this would be the last flight of her life?
Park Hae-joon (The 8th Night, Bring Me Home, Believer) plays Tae-Su, the head of the presidential crisis management center who is expected to make the most realistic decisions to protect the nation during this unprecedented disaster. As the news about the bioterrorism on the plane leaves the general public in shock, Tae-su is forced to choose between the safety of the passengers and the crew or the safety of the people on the ground. So many lives depend on him.
Director Han Jae-Rim wrote the screenplay back in 2019, before the Corona virus pandemic. In a statement that he released, he said, “I couldn’t help but be shocked to see the events which I had imagined in my mind become reality. Disasters always strike when we least expect them. Those of us living in this era are already accustomed to the way in which people easily lose strength and become self-centered in the midst of a disaster or crisis. But despite the turmoil faced by humanity during this pandemic, the situation is slowly improving. I hope that this film can provide a small measure of comfort and hope to those who suffered in this tragedy, to those who bravely fought against it, and to all of us who at this moment are exhausted from dealing with the pandemic.”
“Emergency Declaration” premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021 in the non-competing section of the event.
Catch it on August 31 in cinemas nationwide. From Viva International Pictures and MVP Entertainment.
In celebration of the second Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM), the annual month-long fete honoring the heritage and legacy of Philippine Cinema, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will be holding a wide array of local and international events for the whole month of September including free film screenings, networking events, book launch, workshops, and many more.
This year’s PFIM theme “Tuloy Ang Kuwento: Ang Pagbabalik ng Pelikulang Pilipino,” aims to gather the different stakeholders, especially the film community and film audiences, and rally the nation behind the Philippine film industry as it regain its momentum upon the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and as cinemas and theaters become fully operational. Most of the events will be held in-person.
The month of September will consist of main events such as the Tuloy Ang Kuwento: PFIM Opening Ceremony, PFIM Gala, and the Filmmakers and Shakers Night: PFIM Closing Event, where special screenings of Filipino gems, live performances, and special announcements will take place.
In honor of their significant contribution to the industry, films of National Artists for Film Fernando Poe Jr. and the three new National Artists, Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee, and late director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, will be screened for free under the Archive Focus event and the FDCP banner Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) Classics in TriNoma Mall and Cinematheque Centres nationwide, respectively. PPP will also be returning for this year’s edition to offer fresh perspectives from the youth and regional narratives featuring the finalists from Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda Short Film Competition.
Since its inauguration last year by former President Rodrigo Duterte through the Presidential Proclamation 1085, s. 2021, declaring September as the Philippine Film Industry Month, the FDCP, as the lead agency in observing the PFIM, has organized programs and activities to recognize and celebrate the invaluable achievements of all the stakeholders and sectors of the film industry. September 12 marks the birth of Philippine Cinema as the first Filipino-directed and produced feature film Dalagang Bukid by Jose Nepomuceno was premiered on this day in 1919.
Activities for Philippine Film Industry Month 2022
August 31 to September 3 – Free Screening of FPJ Films at Cinematheque Centres (Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao, and Nabunturan)
In line with the celebration of the 83rd birthday of the late actor-director, National Artist for Film Fernando Poe Jr., the PFA will hold free screenings of four of The King of Philippine Movies’ films starting August 31 to September 3 in FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide.
PFA’s “Archive Focus: Celebrating FPJ’s 83rd Birth Anniversary feat. FPJ Productions” will screen FPJ’s notable films, some of which he directed and starred in: Ang Padrino, Ang Panday, Pagbabalik ng Lawin, and Asedillo by Celso Ad. Castillo.
September 2 – Opening Ceremony of Philippine Film Industry Month
To kick-off the month-long celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month in honor of the National Artists for Film, the FDCP will hold the “Tuloy Ang Kuwento: PFIM Opening Ceremony” at Cinema 6 of TriNoma Mall in Quezon City to be hosted by Ms. Dianne Medina, with guests Dr. Nicanor Tiongson and Mr. Dik Trofeo.
There will be a special screening of the newly-restored film The Moises Padilla Story by National Artist Gerardo de Leon. There will also be a Cinema Books Expo featuring books from National Artist Mr. Ricky Lee, Mr. Doy del Mundo, Mr. Nick Deocampo and Mr. Nestor Cuartero in cooperation with DLSU Publishing House and UST Publishing House.
September 3 to 5 – Venice International Film Festival 2022
The Philippine delegation to one of the most significant and prestigious film festivals in the world, the 79th Venice International Film Festival (VIFF), will be composed of two Filipino co-produced films, one Out of Competition film, two Filipino talents, and one FDCP-led panel discussion at the Venice Production Bridge—the networking side of the festival.
Indonesia-France-Germany-Poland-Singapore-Qatar-Philippines co-produced film and FDCP FilmPhilippines Office’s (FPO) ASEAN Co-production Fund grantee Autobiography by Makbul Mubarak will compete in the Orizzonti section of VIFF. Romanian film To The North by Mihai Mincan, starring Filipino actors Soliman Cruz and Bartholome Guingona, will also compete under the same section.
World-famous Filipino auteur Lav Diaz’s Kapag Wala Nang Mga Alon (When the Waves are Gone), an International Co-production Fund grantee of FPO, will have its world premiere under the Out of Competition section of the festival.
The FDCP will host the panel discussion “Fostering Creative Collaborations – Common Strategies and Opportunities” at the Venice Production Bridge, in collaboration with Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual – Ministry of Culture of Italy, Philippine Embassy in Rome, and FDCP’s UniPhilippines Office.
September 7 – Opening of Kidlat Tahimik Exhibit
FDCP will hold an opening ceremony for National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s exhibit at the Cinematheque Centre Manila titled “Indio-Genius: 500 Taong Labanan Kontra Magellan, Marilyn, Mickey at Padre Damaso,” featuring art installations and a special screening of his Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III. The exhibit is a playful depiction of the resistance/non-resistance, the cultural encounters, of the Philippines to colonial icons.
Homecoming from a six-month exhibit in Spain’s Palacio Cristal, the exhibit is fanned out across six venues: the National Museum of the Philippines, Museo Pambata, Rizal Park Visitor’s Center, Intramuros Administration, NCCA, and at FDCP’s Cinematheque Centre Manila.
September 9 – Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) Opening Ceremony Featuring PPP Classics
FDCP’s flagship film festival, PPP, returns for its 6th edition featuring restored films for PPP Classics and short films from Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda.
This year’s PPP Opening Ceremony will hold free screenings of restored classic films starring National Artist actress Nora Aunor—Atsay by Eddie Garcia and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos by Mario O’Hara at TriNoma Cinema in Quezon City.
September 10 to 24 – PPP 6 at Cinematheque Centres
After its opening ceremony in TriNoma, PPP Classics and Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda short films will have another free screening at Cinematheque Centres nationwide. For PPP Classics, feature films Atsay and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, will be screened on September 10; Cain at Abel and Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak written by National Artist Ricky Lee on September 15; and Brutal and Karnal by late director National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya on September 16. These screenings are supported by Solar Films, ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, and Viva Films.
PPP Classics PPP will also be screened together with Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla short films starting September 17 to 24 in all Cinematheques Centres.
September 10 to 11 – 3rd Philippine Film Festival (Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia)
Marking the 75th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines in Italy with the theme “Philippines-Italy: Rising Together,” the Philippine Embassy in Rome and Sentro Rizal Rome, in partnership with the FDCP, will hold the third edition of the Festival del Cinema Filippino in Italia (Philippine Film Festival in Italy) to promote Philippine culture, tourism, cinema, and creative industries in Italy.
September 12 – Philippine Film Industry Month Gala
September 12 is a significant day for Philippine Cinema—it was the release of the first Filipino-produced and directed film Dalagang Bukid by Jose Nepomuceno in 2019. In line with this, the FDCP will hold the “Awit at Pelikula: Philippine Film Industry Month Gala” at Teatrino in Promenade, Greenhills in San Juan City.
Philippine Film Industry Month’s main event will top bill live performances of the unforgettable soundtrack songs of some of the great Filipino classic films, to be performed by the country’s top performing artists including Christopher de Leon, Anna Feleo, Jed Madela, and Bituin Escalante featuring a tribute to Ms. Cherie Gil. The event will be hosted by actor-singer Piolo Pascual.
The PFIM Gala will also feature a new original composition by National Artist of the Philippines for Music Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and written by Mr. Jose Javier Reyes.
September 16 to 18 – PPP Premiere and Awards Night Featuring Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda
PPP 6 will premiere the 10 short films from Sine Kabataan and 10 short films from Sine Isla: LuzViMinda, to be followed by the Awards Night for this year’s PPP and a special screening Martika Escobar’s Leonor Will Never Die on September 16 at TriNoma Cinema in Quezon City.
On September 17 to 18, PPP will continue to hold free screenings of the in-competition short films with a talkback session with the Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla filmmakers at TriNoma. The September 18 schedule will be succeeded by a free screening of feature film John Denver Trending by Arden Rod Condez.
September 21 – Keeping Memories SEAPAAVA Book Launch
FDCP, in partnership with the South East Asia Pacific Audio-visual Archive Association (SEAPAVAA), will hold a book launch with a film archiving forum for Keeping Memories: Cinema and Archiving in the Asia-Pacific edited by filmmaker and historian Nick Deocampo at the Cinematheque Centre Manila.
The book is a joint publication of SEAPAVAA, FDCP, Ateneo Press, and the Vietnam Film Institute.
September 23 – International Film Industry Conference Press Conference
FDCP’s International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) is an annual conference that consists of a series of sessions and masterclasses that supports the development of Filipino filmmaking and its stakeholders by bringing together experts from the local and international film industries to become panelists and speakers.
For its 6th edition, IFIC will hold an online press conference to announce this year’s lineup of topics and mentors for its public sessions and masterclasses for its hybrid conference in October.
September 24 – FDCP Channel Game Night
FDCP Channel will host a “FDCP Channel Anibersaya Game Night,” an online game night where audiences c
an join and win exciting prizes. This will be streamed live from 7 PM to 8 PM via FDCP Channel, and FDCP’s official Facebook and YouTube pages.
September 24 – UFlix Screening
In order to support students’ films and encourage them to pursue their passion in filmmaking, FDCP will be relaunching UFlix—an exhibition platform where FDCP will be announcing an upcoming incentive program for student filmmakers on the 24th.
The UFlix inauguration at this year’s PFIM will hold screenings for student films for a day at Cinematheque Centres nationwide.
September 28 – Webinar in Film Incentives (WIFI)
To raise awareness and encourage more filmmakers about the film incentives and funding programs they can apply to, the FDCP FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) will hold an online session of the Webinar In Film Incentives (WIFI) to discuss its Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), International Co-Production Fund (ICOF), ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF), and Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX) and CreatePHFilm Funds for Development (Script Development and Project Development), Production (Small Budget and Large Budget), and Post-Production. FPO will also announce the opening of their new cycle for their incentive and funding programs.
September 30 – Closing of Philippine Film Industry Month
Capping off the month-long festivities, the “Filmmakers and Shakers Night: Closing Event of the Philippine Film Industry Month” programme will be hosted by Robi Domingo, featuring tributes for Queen of Visayan Movies Gloria Sevilla and Queen of Philippine Movies Susan Roces, a Cinema Books Expo, and announcements from FDCP and FDCP Channel. The closing event also serves as an opportunity to honor and thank all the partners, stakeholders, and filmmakers who supported the Philippine film industry.
