‘’Naiyak po ako, kasi it's such a great validation of what we have been working hard for in the last five years,’’ stated Mary Liza Diño, Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development of Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
In a series of text messages to Manila Bulletin and Tempo, Chair Liza said the small Philippine delegation to the 78th Venice International Film Festival has been so well received.
‘’The panel discussion we hosted went so well and the Philippine Cocktail event we also hosted was a success with some top festival directors attending to show their love for Philippine cinema,’’ one text read.
The panel discussion, "From the Philippines to the World, New Ways of Global Content Distribution," was moderated by Venice Film Festival Programmer Paolo Bertolin with "OTJ’’ director Matti, producer Dondon Monteverde, and Dennis Trillo as panelists.
‘’We are so proud to have been able to come up with events and initiatives that reflect how we intend to support the film industry,’’ she said.
Chair Liza arrived in Venice on the last three days of the festival to support the Philippine events that the FDCP organized in support of Philippine entry, “On The Job: The Missing 8” by Erik Matti. It is the only Southeast Asian film in competition in the prestigious Biennale Cinema held from Sept. 1 to 11.
The film will also be released worldwide as part of HBO Asia Original Series, also in September.
On The Job: The Missing 8’s cast is led by John Arcilla, Dennis Trillo, Christopher De Leon, Lotlot De Leon, Vandolph Quizon, and Dante Rivero.
Film industry conference online
Meanwhile, FDCP’s International Film Industry Conference Online 2021 has put together 11 free public sessions and seven masterclasses from September 16 to 19 featuring heavyweights and leaders in the global film industry.
Since 2017 and previously known as FIC, IFIC has been conducting an annual conference consisting of a series of sessions and masterclasses that supports the development of Filipino filmmaking by bringing together big names from the local and international film industries.
Last year, the first online Film Industry Conference (FIC) with over 2,000 attendees, had 16 local and international partners, eight online public sessions, six online masterclasses, and 32 local and international speakers.
IFIC 2021 opens with a keynote address from Asia-Pacific Region-Motion Picture Association, Communications Vice President Stephen Jenner.
“As we expand the annual conference to IFIC along with the eventful celebration of the very first Philippine Film Industry Month, we also elevate the sessions and masterclasses. There’s so much going on right now in the international arena and through IFIC, we are brought together to know more about the direction and future of cinema,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.
The IFIC is one of the highlights of the Philippine Film Industry Month throughout September.