ROAD TO SINESANDAAN
Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No. 622, S. 2018, SANDAAN is the year-long celebration of the centennial year of Philippine cinema from September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020. This is in honor of Dalagang Bukid by Jose Nepomuceno, considered as the first Filipino-produced and directed feature film which premiered on September 12, 1919. Philippine Cinema has had its ups and downs from its nascent years to its golden age, from its decline to its rise again not just locally but also earning acclaim globally. That the Presidential Proclamation was signed is testament to the government’s support and recognition of Cinema as an integral and ubiquitous form of Philippine culture - one that not only needs to be celebrated but also empowered so that it may thrive and continue to be a beacon of our people’s stories and identity. Pursuant to the said Proclamation, the Film Development Council of the Philippines was assigned to identify programs, projects, and activities for the celebration of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema and the Agency will be conducting projects to ensure that the celebration and the programs are tangible, inclusive, and on a nationwide-scale. After all, film is one of the most accessible form of media, and its affective nature and potential to create positive change in society becomes greater as the industry is ushered into the digital age.