The Philippines will have a year-long celebration of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema, pursuant to Proclamation No. 622, signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte. It will be marked from September 12, 2019 to September 11, 2020.
This is in honor to the first Filipino-produced and directed feature film, “Dalagang Bukid” by the Father of Philippine Cinema, José Nepomuceno. The movie, which premiered on Sept. 12, 1919, will celebrate its centennial year in 2019.
“The State shall conserve, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations”, the proclamation stated. The move is also part of promoting Philippine culture and values, safeguarding the Philippine cultural heritage and sustaining and enhancing cultural assets, which are the objectives under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
“The FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines) shall lead the observance of the Centennial Year of Philippine Cinema and identify programs, projects and activities for its celebration,” the proclamation read.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines was created through Republic Act No. 9167 to undertake initiatives that will promote the growth and development of the local film industry, as well as establish, organize, operate and maintain local and international film festivals, exhibitions and other similar activities.
“The One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in honor of the journey of this incredible art form and cultural marker. Film is a part of every Filipino as one of the most accessible and affective mediums that tell our stories, struggles, victories, and our growth as a people. We are grateful to the Office of the President for recognizing the importance of this milestone,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.
The Sandaan National Organizing Committee was established with key government agencies and institutions such as the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Cultural Center of the Philippines, MTRCB, Optical Media Board, Film Academy of the Philippines, UP Film Institute, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and local and regional film festivals in the country. Sandaan will be filled with activities focusing on knowledge production, education, exhibition and international events.
The FDCP says, “The One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema has already been integrated in the Agency’s activities and events through the conduct of the Sandaan Conferences, a series of lectures and talks featured in its partnerships with local and regional film festivals in the country.”
Read the proclamation below:
Proclamation No. 622 – S. 2018 by on Scribd
