• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod has requested Mayor Alfredo Benitez March 20 to convene the Bacolod Film Festival Council that will be tasked to organize and oversee, and ensure the smooth staging of the first city filmfest this July.
“The SP requests for the convening of the Council so that the city will have its first-ever film festival happening this year, not only helping the filmmakers and their crew but also boosting the local economy and tourism as it will drive residents from nearby towns and cities to come to Bacolod and watch the selected films of the festival, and the awards night,” said the resolution, authored by Councilor Em Ang, and approved during the 90th regular session of the sanggunian this afternoon.
The creation of the Council is under City Ordinance 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival ordinance passed on Feb. 14 this year.
The Council is tasked to formulate policies and guidelines for the selection and screening of films to be featured in the festival; appoint the festival director, who will manage the operations of the festival; set the yearly theme of the film festival; and allocate and manage funds appropriated for the Bacolod Film Festival.
“Given the functions and responsibilities of the Council, it is essential for the commencement of the operations of the film festival and also in the daily monitoring and supervision,” the resolution added.
Ang, who authored the ordinance, with councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Flor as co-authors, said the festival aims to promote the development of the local film industry, provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, and enhance cultural appreciation.
The filmfest ordinance has an appropriation of P6 million.
Benitez, who discussed the film festival with Ang in a press conference Feb. 26, said he has earmarked P3 million for the maiden staging of the festival this July, adding that the Department of Trade and Industry could also augment the initial funding.
“Bacolod should be proud of their creatives. We have very artistic directors, and actors,” Benitez had said, adding they will be given another platform to show their creativity via the film festival. | CGC
