• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod authorized Mayor Alfredo Benitez April 24 to sign the memorandum of agreement designating advocacy filmmaker Seymour B. Sanchez as director of the maiden staging of the Bacolod Film Festival this September.
The Bacolod Film Festival Council (BFFC), chaired by Benitez, with Councilor Em Ang as co-chairperson, appointed Sanchez as festival director as per Section 7 of City Ordinance 1061-2024, or the filmfest ordinance.
Under the ordinance passed by the SP on Feb. 14 this year, and authored by Ang with councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Flor as co-authors, the festival director to be appointed by the BFFC should have a bachelor’s degree in film studies, arts management, events management or related field; with at least five years of experience in organizing and managing film festivals or similar cultural events; at least 40 hours of training in relevant discipline;
A demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and manage multiple tasks simultaneously; and has experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) national registry states that Sanchez is a communication and film lecturer, freelance writer, content and creative producer, creative consultant, and a former producer for news and current affairs programs.
He is a fellow of the 17th Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop organized by the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication; of the 21st Iligan National Writers Workshop by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology; and 9th Palihang Rogelio Sicat initiated by the UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas.
Sanchez is also a graduate of the 14th Ricky Lee scriptwriting workshop, first Brillante Mendoza directing class, and Active Vista film and media for human rights advocacy workshop, the FDCP said.
In the MOA, Sanchez shall receive remuneration for six months, or until Sept. 30, as filmfest director.
Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, posted that they are now accepting submissions to the filmfest. Those interested may visit the Bacolod Film Festival FB page, or email bacolodfilmfestival@gmail.com for inquiries.
The film festival aims to further develop the city’s film production scene and create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents.
Ang earlier said the city government will provide production grants worth P300,000 to chosen filmmakers, whether producer, director, or writer, who are bona fide residents of Bacolod. She clarified in a press release that selected filmmakers do not need to shoot scenes entirely in the highly-urbanized city. | CGC
