A night for the movies: Dingdong Dantes celebrates new home of Filipino Cinema

In a rare moment where history, heritage, and hope converged under one roof, actor-producer Dingdong Dantes found himself reflecting not just on a film screening — but on the future of an entire industry.

The occasion was the inauguration of the Philippine Film Heritage Building in Intramuros, a landmark facility now housing the Cinematheque Centre Manila, the Philippine Film Archive, and the Film Development Council of the Philippinesoffices — institutions long envisioned as guardians of the country’s cinematic memory.

In a Facebook post written after the event, Dantes described the experience in poetic terms:

“Yesterday felt like stepping into a beautifully restored frame. The newly opened Philippine Film Heritage Building in Intramuros now stands as a home for the future of Filipino cinema, housing Cinematheque Centre Manila alongside the Philippine Film Archive and FDCP offices.”

A Film to Open the Screen

Fittingly, the night’s first screening was Sisa, directed by Jun Robles Lana — a filmmaker Dantes openly admires.

He praised the film in detail, emphasizing its craftsmanship and national pride:

“And what a way to open the screen: SISA!

From direction to cinematography, from performances to score and production design… solid. Buong-buo. A total Filipino package we can proudly share not just in the region, but with the world.”

The actor also acknowledged the producers behind the film — IdeaFirst Company, Quantum Films, and CMB Film Services — recognizing the collective effort required to bring a project of this scale to life:

“Kudos to its producers, IdeaFirst, Quantum Films, CMB, and all the forces behind it, under the vision of Jun Robles Lana, whom I hope to work with again someday.”

Gathering of an Industry

Beyond the film itself, the night served as a reunion of generations — veterans, emerging artists, and the quiet workers behind the camera.

Dantes captured that atmosphere:

“Being in the same room with the industry’s movers, shakers, and quiet legends was deeply inspiring. A powerful reminder of why we do what we do, and of the never-ending stories and hard work that continue to shape our industry.”

For many attendees, the building represents more than a venue — it is a promise that Filipino cinema will finally have a permanent cultural home, where preservation meets production.

Moving Forward Together

In an era marked by streaming disruption, shrinking theatrical runs, and evolving viewing habits, Dantes’ message leaned toward resilience rather than nostalgia.

“Even when the industry hits rough patches, tuloy lang. We create, we take risks, and we move forward together as one.”

He ended his note by acknowledging the leadership that pushed the project into reality, including filmmaker and FDCP chair Joey Reyes:

“Thank you, Direk Joey Reyes and FDCP for calling action on this one.”

More Than a Building

The opening night proved that preservation and progress can coexist — that a restored past can inspire a working present.

For Dantes and many others in attendance, the Philippine Film Heritage Building is not just a repository of reels and records.

It is a living set — one where the next generation of Filipino stories will begin.