• CHERYL G. CRUZ
A two-week film festival is being pushed in Bacolod, with all cinemas operating in the highly-urbanized city only screening the chosen films for the duration of the filmfest.
Councilor Em Ang, who authored the proposed ordinance approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Jan. 24, said this aims to further develop the film production scene in Bacolod by creating a venue where Bacolod/Negros produced films are shown in major cinemas in the city.
Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, added that Bacolod and nearby cities in the province of Negros Occidental have been producing films that made their mark in Philippine cinema, and several of these even made it to the Metro Manila Film Festival that is being held every December.
She said that there is need to promote the development of the local film industry, provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, and enhance cultural appreciation by establishing the Bacolod Film Festival.
Under the proposed ordinance co-authored by councilors Celia Flor and Cindy Rojas, the Bacolod Film Festival will start every first day of June and will run for two weeks. An Awards Night will be held every June 18, and the selected films shall compete for several awards, including for Best Picture, Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography, among others.
Workshops shall also be held for free to develop the film production knowledge of Bacolod film artists, with a P300,000 grant being eyed for those able to successfully complete two workshops, the proposal said.
“All proceeds of the film festival shall be subject to 100 percent tax exemption,” Ang said, adding a Special Trust Fund shall be created where all donations, sponsorships, and income-share of the Bacolod Film Festival be accrued.
A P10 million funding is being pushed for the maiden edition of the filmfest. | CGC
