Honorees:

• Lee Briones (Cinematographer)
• Raquel Villavicencio (Writer & Production Design)  
• Gina Alajar (Actress / Director)
• Olivia Lamasan (Director)
• Malou Santos (Producer)

Special Recognition Recipients: 

• Antoinette Jadaone (Director)
• Baby Ruth Villarama (Director)

During the PFIM Gala Night, the Films for Peace Short Film Festival Awarding Ceremony also took place, honoring young filmmakers who champion nation-building and peace through cinema.

• Best Short Film: 

“The River Flows In Different Places”

Directed by Lot-lot Hermosura 

• 2nd Best Short Film: 

“What Remains Warm”

Directed by Dexter Paul de Jesus & Drexler Jaramel

• 3rd Best Short Film: 

“Wordplay”

Directed by Che Tagyamon

As part of its educational initiatives, FDCP also rolled out programs that foster learning and collaboration among emerging and professional filmmakers alike:

The Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival showcased youth-made films tackling relevant social issues. This year’s standout films and filmmakers were recognized through the following awards: 

• Best Short Film, Best Screenplay, Best Editing:

“When it Rained Malunggay Leaves”

Directed by Cedrick Valenzuela

• Special Jury Prize and Best Cinematography:

“Sunog sa Sugbo”

Directed by Jon Owen Lepiten

• Best Director:

Jon Owen Lepiten

• Special Mention: 

“Coding si Papa”

Directed by Michael Angelo Pogoy

The FDCP x Netflix Masterclasses, a two-day program held at the Alaminos City National High School and Cinematheque Iloilo during Sine Kabataan, provided practical insights from industry experts to young aspiring storytellers in the regions.

The FDCP x DGPI Film Pitch also gave 15 selected filmmakers a platform to present their film concepts to 16 notable producers and industry mentors at Lanson Place, Mall of Asia. The event concluded with successful matches made and special pledges extended to several  participants.

The Film Industry Conference (FIC) gathered industry speakers to discuss the evolving landscape of film production, distribution, and global engagement. Three (3) talk sessions were held, covering the following topics: 

• Copyright and Legal Rights for Filipino Filmmakers
• Strategies for Independent Film Success
• The Economics Of Cinema and Audience Habits

Through its exhibition initiatives, FDCP brought diverse stories closer to communities and made Philippine cinema accessible to audiences across the country:

PFIM Regional Screenings were held at Cinematheque Centres nationwide, featuring restored classics and contemporary works.

The Pelikula ng Bayan Film Caravan also made its stop in Intramuros, providing a free public screening of Antoinette Jadaone’s award-winning film Love You to the Stars and Back.

The Films for Peace Screenings and Talkback Sessions at SM North EDSA engaged filmmakers and audiences in meaningful discussions on nation building, social awareness, and peace after the film screening.

The PFIM 2025: Pelikula at Pilipina — Tribute Screenings and Pelikula ng Bayan Sine50 celebrated the strength and artistry of Filipino women in cinema and let audiences enjoy a number of films for only 50 PHP.

JuanFlix Presents: Lights, Camera, Re-action! at SM North EDSA then highlighted socially conscious films followed by talkback sessions with filmmakers.

Throughout PFIM, FDCP also collaborated with partner institutions and participated in global platforms that uplift Filipino cinema:

As a partnership between FDCP and the Intramuros Administration (IA), Film Fridays Screenings and Talkbacks took place in Intramuros with free film showings of Brutal, Karnal, and Anak Dalita.

In line with its preservation efforts, the Philippine Film Archive (PFA) in partnership with Mowelfund and the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) hosted the three-day AV Archiving Seminar-Workshop, which trained professionals on safeguarding the country’s audiovisual heritage for future generations.

Under the FilmPhilippines Office (FPO), the country proudly showcased Filipino talents and stories at two international events held during PFIM. The Filipino presence during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025 further strengthened the Philippines’ foothold in the global cinematic landscape in North America. Magellan premiered in TIFF’s Wavelengths as the Philippines’ Oscars entry, while Agapito earned an Honourable Mention in the Short Cuts category.

Meanwhile, participation at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) 2025 underscored the Philippines’ growing influence in the Asian film industry. The Filipino delegation included  five filmmakers under the Producers Hub, eleven companies represented at the Philippine Pavillion, forty-three delegates through Platform Busan,  and one fellow in the BAFA program.

Screenings at BIFF:

• Magellan by Lav Diaz (Icons, PH’s entry to the 98th Oscars)
• 10s Across the Borders by Chan Sze-Wei (Wide Angle: Documentary Competition, World Premiere)

Projects at ACFM:

• Heaven Help Us! by Eve Baswel (Asian Project Market)
• Oma by Armin Septiexan (Asian Cinema Fund)
• Magnetic Letters by Demie Dangla, Touch the Colour by Baby Ruth Villarama, and We, Men by Kristoffer Brugada (Docsquare)

With over a dozen activities held throughout September, PFIM 2025 demonstrated the continued vitality and unity of the Philippine film industry. The FDCP extends its gratitude to all filmmakers, partners, and audiences who joined in celebrating and supporting the nation’s diverse cinematic voices.

The festivities culminated in the PFIM Closing Ceremony, marking the conclusion of a month dedicated to honoring the creativity and resilience of the local film community. Through this event, the FDCP reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating Filipino stories, expanding access to cinema, and fostering deeper  engagement between the industry and the public.

For news and updates, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, Instagram, or access our website through the following link: fdcp.ph