• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Next month’s Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) will be handled by the Negros Cultural Foundation Inc. (NFCI), with P3 million earmarked for the planning and execution of festival events.
The memorandum of agreement, signed by Mayor Greg Gasataya and NFCI president Marilyn Gamboa and ratified by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, states that the foundation shall oversee the overall planning and execution of the festival, with highlights on the last week of November; select films that will be given grants for the festival that align with its vision and objectives; coordinate with venue partners, sponsors, and suppliers to ensure smooth logistics; manage the festival schedule, including screenings, panels and special events; and shall create promotional materials, including posters, trailers, and social media content for the promotion of the BFF.
The NFCI is a non-stock, non-profit organization “conceived to awaken interest and pride among Negrenses, through cultural events, and be a catalyst in the revitalization of the arts and other cultural activities in the region.”
Since its founding in 1987, the NFCI has successfully opened two museums in Negros Occidental: The Balay Negrense Museum and The Negros Museum, with the latter continuing to serve as cultural hub for locals and tourists alike, according to its website.
The city, on the other hand, shall own the tagline, slogans, logos, seals, photos, videos, and other symbols associated with the BFF; and provide necessary permits and licenses, aside from the P3 million budget for the preparation and conduct of this year’s filmfest, the MOA added.
Councilor Em Ang, who authored the BFF ordinance, meanwhile, said that the theme for this year’s film festival is “Panan-aw: Local Frames, Global Change”.
She added that the eight grantees, who are ready to bring Bacolod’s unique stories to life on screen, are Roland Chavez, Dranreb Cimatu, Jiane Nicole Flores, Rodolfo Hinolan, Kir Kizzah Hulleza, Kyle Ramas, David Reasol, and Charlene Mead Tupas.
Per the BFF ordinance passed Feb. 14, 2024, the grantees will each receive a production assistance, and will undergo workshops.
In the maiden staging of the BFF Sept. 12-15 last year, 10 short films, on the theme “Stories with a Smile”, were screened at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas. | CGC
