• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) director Tanya Lopez said Sept. 7 that they highly discourage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in producing entries for this year’s BFF.
Lopez explained that while technology is evolving, the festival emphasizes human-led creativity over automated generation.
“We cannot stop people from using AI but we highly discourage the use of AI because we believe we can be highly-creative without being dependent on artificial intelligence. However, if artificial intelligence is used as a tool to help the narrative, to help the form, that can be allowed,” she said.
Lopez explained that filmmakers should not rely entirely on AI to do the thinking for them, but rather, retain full control as the ones manipulating the technology.
She noted that while the integration of AI cannot be stopped because it is part of industry development and its use is not under a strict restriction, it remains highly discouraged.
Lopez presented the official film grantees for the third BFF, alongside Mayor Greg Gasataya and Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion head Frances Mae Llamas.
The participating films include Be ‘Ware of Dog by Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa, Si Balong Gin Bulang by Fahleen Fang, Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod by Dranreb Cimatu, Ka Aslum sang Batwan by Renzo Grijaldo, Princaesar by Jaden Tenzing Mijares, Lumay by Mai Montelibano, Duwa Duwa by Kurt Soberano, Tukturuok by Zack Verzosa, and Ang Tagabantay by Pamela Reinee Viedor.
Each filmmaker will receive a P100,000 production grant.
This year’s filmfest is themed “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage. Shaping Our Future”, to highlight the importance of preserving Bacolod’s heritage while providing opportunities for the next generation of local filmmakers, the city said.
Llamas said the 3rd BFF, from Nov. 27–29, is expected to be more exciting as the city continues to institutionalize filmmaking and strengthen its creative industry.
“With the pool of talents we have as a creative city, this is really an opportunity for our local filmmakers. We are very excited for the films that will be shown on Nov. 27 to 29,” she added.
Gasataya thanked the participating filmmakers and reiterated the city government’s full support to the BFF and Bacolod’s creative sector through the G-Hive.
Established by the city through DLEDIP at the Mansilingan Activity Center, the G-Hive serves as a hub for members of the creative industry, providing access to a film studio and filmmaking equipment to help local creatives further develop their skills.
“Slowly, we are doing this, and by next year, we will be providing more support for the G-Hive so that more can avail of the program to enhance their craft,” Gasataya said. | TMD
