Films and TV tend to imitate life — real-life situations, conditions and settings. This is why the film and audiovisual (AV) industry, as it depicts real-life scenarios in production shoots, encounters a unique challenge posed by the necessities of adapting to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

I always look forward to engaging with regional filmmakers because being in their company becomes a humbling and rewarding experience every time. They may not have the same amount of exposure and opportunities compared to Metro Manila filmmakers, but still, they are just as skillful, creative, and driven despite being confined within their respective regional cinema communities.

This evening, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is partnering with the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) for the Entertainment Editor’s Choice (Eddys) virtual awards night.

Just as more film productions have resumed operations and cinemas have been given the go-signal to operate at limited capacities, we are faced with another hurdle due to the recent surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the presence of new virus variants in the country.

As we highlight women’s achievements and milestones this National Women’s Month, we also put the spotlight on them to further understand and support their journeys as they continue to make significant contributions to society.

“It’s a scam!” is one of the most popular catchphrases these days, and even film festivals are not spared from this. There are thousands of film festivals worldwide, and this amount increased since last year when lockdowns forced cinema screenings, film fests, and other industry events to migrate to digital platforms.

The international film festival season always gets a great head start, thanks to the successful conduct of the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany, which kicks off every February. Also known as the Berlinale, the first A-List festival of the year comprises the Top 3 of the most important international film festivals together with Cannes in France and Venice in Italy.

Tonight, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will stage the 5th Film Ambassador’s Night (FAN) online at the FDCP Channel to recognize the filmmakers and films that put Philippines in world cinema spotlight last year.

The reopening of cinemas throughout the country was what we have been yearning for since last year. Its shutdown beginning in March has crippled Philippine Cinema, and the same can be said for the global film industry.

I am glad to share with you a new monthly observance that puts the spotlight on Philippine Cinema. Through Proclamation No. 1085, President Rodrigo Duterte declared September as Philippine Film Industry Month, ensuring the celebration of Philippine Cinema annually throughout the country.