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Cinematheque Centre Manila finds its new home in Intramuros
Cinematheque Centre Manila finds its new home in Intramuros
First Lady Liza Marcos and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes led the reopening of the Cinematheque Centre Manila in Intramuros on Feb. 26.
"Sa wakas, may bahay na ang pelikulang Pilipino. We are 107 years old. But it is only now that Filipino cinema has found its home. (Finally, Filipino cinema has a home. We are 107 years old. But it is only now that Filipino cinema has found its home)," said Javier Reyes in a short speech at the opening of the micro cinema.
Javier Reyes continued, "We celebrate the opening of Cinematheque Manila, which is more than just a micro cinema. It would have screenings of very special local and foreign. Moreso, it is a hub for education.
"Hindi alam ng karamihan na ang daming workshops, ang daming forum, ang daming film talk na nagaganap sa Cinematheque. Higit pa roon, hindi rin alam ng karamihan na lima ang Cinematheque dito sa ating bayan. (Most people don't know that there are so many workshops, so many forums, so many film talks that take place at the Cinematheque. What's more, most people don't even know that there are more than five Cinematheques here in our town)," he added.
As a critical film exhibition program, the Cinematheque Centres are structures located around the country that serve as cinematic venues exclusively operated by the FDCP where it can execute its programs to reach local film communities.
Other Cinematheque Centers are located in Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, Compostela Valley, and Bacolod City, Negros.
"Ito lamang ang magpapatunay na ang kabuhayan ng pelikulang Pilipino ay hindi lamang nanggagaling mula sa mga lumikha nito kundi sa mga manonood at mga naniniwala na may katuturan, may kasaysayan ang kaisipan ng Pilipino sa sining ng pelikula. (This alone will prove that the livelihood of Filipino film does not only come from its creators but also from the viewers and those who believe that Filipino thought in the art of film has meaning and history)," said Javier Reyes.
In February 2025, FDCP announced the temporary closure of Cinematheque Centre Manila as it prepares to move into a new location. It was previously located on T.M. Kalaw St. in Ermita, Manila.
The Cinematheque Centres showcase monthly thematic films curated by the central programming committee, along with classic and contemporary films for special partnerships.
It also partners with the Development Support Division to hold regular film education workshops on directing, scriptwriting, editing, cinematography, and all other aspects of filmmaking.
While commercial movie theaters in the country primarily show mainstream films dictated by business interests, FDCP Cinematheques serve as alternative theaters that showcase more diverse content offerings to the regions, including independent, classic, and world cinema.
More than a screening venue, Cinematheques have become hubs for the film community to come together, nurture local filmmakers, and build an audience base that supports their local area’s stories and narratives, the FDCP chair said.
At the launch, guests were also treated to the screening of the movie "Sisa," the comeback movie of award-winning actress Hilda Koronel, who also graced the occasion. Other stars spotted at the event were Dingdong Dantes, Boots Anson Roa, Rodrigo, and Laurice Guillen.