ACADEMIC FILM SOCIETY

The Academic Film Society (AFS) is the FDCP-led association of schools, colleges, and universities in the Philippines with existing film programs, film courses, film clubs or related student organizations. 

The AFS has the goal of gathering and nurturing a community of emerging filmmakers from the student body, providing them access to training programs, financial assistance, and other forms of support that will aid in their growth as filmmakers. The AFS also promotes the incorporation of film in institutional academic activities as well as training for teachers on how to use film in the classroom and in 21st century learning. 

ELIGIBILITY
APPLICANTS

Accredited Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering film, communication, visual arts, or any related course program; Accredited Senior High Schools offering Special Program for the Arts; Student film organizations certified by their colleges or universities. 

AFS-registered schools, colleges, universities, and student organizations will have access to the following forms of support:

  • Access to FDCP Film School Workshops
    Students of the institutions registered to AFS will have special access and will be prioritized in the workshops to be conducted by the FDCP Film School, all for free. This may include basic, intermediate, and advanced workshops or seminars in special topics in film.

 

  • Access to the Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP)
    The SFAP is a funding program exclusively offered to college students and will be producing their thesis or major course projects. Successful projects may receive a grant amounting to PHP 30,000.00 to PHP 50,000.00 for eligible film production expenses. 

 

  • Access to References, Artifacts, and Films Available under FDCP Media Library 
    For the enrichment of the students’ knowledge on film, especially on the history of Philippine Cinema, members of the AFS will have access to FDCP’s existing reference materials or artifacts as needed for film and media studies.
     
    For the purpose of programming and film curation, FDCP may recommend and provide films available from the Philippine Film Archives.

 

  • Mentors/Resource Persons for Film Education Component
    The FDCP encourages film-related events to have an educational component such as film talks, film workshops, and fora.  Thus, mentors from FDCP’s network of filmmakers may be invited to deliver filmmaking workshops to the programs of the schools, colleges, and universities that are members of the AFS.

 

  • Training for Teachers of Film and Media Arts
    Aside from educational components, the FDCP may also provide film training for teachers on how to integrate film inside the classrooms and in curricular activities. Thus, training programs for teachers or school organizers will be implemented to help them conceptualize, develop, mount, and manage their own film festivals in their institution, thereby providing an avenue for young storytellers to showcase their works.

 

  • Use of Film Exhibition Platforms
    The FDCP can allow screenings at JuanFlix: the FDCP Channel, for virtual film festivals. JuanFlix is an exclusive platform that allows audiences to enjoy quality local and international content online pursuant to the platform requirements and guidelines

    For on-ground events/activities that may need venues for screenings, workshops, and other qualified purposes, FDCP can provide any of its cinematheque centres, gallery, and mobile cinema pursuant to their requirements and guidelines.

 

  • FDCP Ratings and Permits 
    All film titles, full-length or short, that will be screened publicly in commercial theaters or open-air venues should have proper ratings and permits which FDCP may provide, free-of-charge, pursuant to the agreed upon guidelines of FDCP and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

 

  • School Event Promotions
    To gain wider reach and build-up audiences, FDCP welcomes film-related activities that need promotion. The event/activity may be promoted through FDCP’s website and social media accounts, as well as its existing network of film societies and other public entities.

  • Accredited Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) offering film, communication, visual arts, or any related course program

  • Accredited Senior High Schools offering Special Program for the Arts.

  • Student film organizations certified by their colleges or universities. 

Educational institutions may express their interest to join the society with the following requirements:

  • Application Form filled by school representative

  • School’s Official Letter of Intent addressed to:

    HON. TIRSO S. CRUZ III
    Chairman & CEO
    Film Development Council of the Philippines

  • Briefer presenting the education institution’s Film, Communication, or any related Course Program; existing film societies of students and teachers; and other film-related curricular/extracurricular  activities

Application requirements must be submitted to [email protected].

Accepted institutions will receive a Certificate of Membership and must enter into an Agreement with FDCP to align the roles and responsibilities of both parties for the AFS.

As a member of the AFS, the educational institution shall ensure that:

  1. A student film club/organization/society is existing and is officially recognized;  will develop and nurture a community of student filmmakers within the institution

  2. One (1) member of the faculty will serve as the Official Representative of the  institution who will coordinate with the AFS and participate to relevant programs to be conducted by the Council

  3. Annual Academic Calendar or Schedule of Terms/Semesters must be submitted to keep FDCP updated and align possible extra-curricular film programs

The FDCP also encourages educational institutions that are members of the AFS to mount their own student film festival to provide an avenue for student filmmakers to showcase their works and motivate them to produce more original projects. The FDCP has existing programs for festival development which the members can apply to and utilize.