Bacolod City officials and Negrense filmmakers recently met with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and global creative industries research group Olsberg•SPI to discuss a strategic roadmap for the future of the country’s film industry.

Councilor Em Ang, Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions head Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, and Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2024 Director Seymour Sanchez welcomed FDCP Project Development Officers Rachelle Villaluna and Kianne Cho, as well as Olsberg•SPI representatives Joshua Hines-Dedman and Kayleigh Hughes, at the Office of the City Mayor on 16 January.

The consultative meeting covered topics such as the Bacolod filmmaking industry, the city’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the recently concluded Bacolod Film Festival (BFF), and proposals for a filmmaking workshop or bootcamp.

The Bacolod City Government expressed its support for partnerships and collaborations to enhance the city's creative industry.

Following the meeting, regional filmmakers and industry professionals from Negros Occidental gathered at the Cinematheque Centre Negros for a separate group discussion with the FDCP and Olsberg•SPI team, organized by the Sine Negrense Film Festival.

FDCP is working with Olsberg•SPI to develop a roadmap aimed at strengthening the country’s domestic film industry and expanding its potential to attract more international productions.

Filmmakers from BFF, Sine Negrense, Margaha Film Festival, La Salle Film Society, Hinigaran National High School, and others engaged “in meaningful discussions on workforce development, infrastructure, production incentives, distribution challenges, and sustainable practices in filmmaking” with the goal of strengthening the Philippine film industry and amplifying its presence on the global stage.

Last year, ten filmmakers showcased their short films with the theme "Stories with a Smile" at the Bacolod Film Festival, held at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas from 12 to 15 September. "Sa Pwesto ni Pistong" (The Barber’s Chair), written and directed by Vincent Joseph Entuna, won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, who also led the BFF 2024 jury, and Olsberg•SPI CEO Leon Forde signed a partnership for a strategic roadmap aimed at addressing challenges in the Philippine film industry and setting the direction for the next five to ten years.