- Over 130 educators from across the Philippines were trained in film education through the FDCP x PACE program held at Mapúa University.
- Industry experts and filmmakers led sessions on screenwriting, production, editing, animation, and documentary filmmaking.
- The initiative aims to strengthen film literacy in academic institutions and promote Philippine cinema and cultural identity.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) and Mapúa University, launched the FDCP x PACE: Training the Teachers program this July. Held at Mapúa University’s Makati campus, the event gathered over 130 educators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, underscoring a nationwide commitment to advancing film literacy and cinematic excellence within academic institutions.
This joint initiative was led through FDCP’s Academic Film Society and aimed at equipping media and communication instructors with a deeper pedagogical understanding of film, especially amid an evolving media and technological environment. The program reflects a shared vision by FDCP and PACE to foster culturally grounded, modern film education across the Philippines.
Opening the event, PACE President Mark Lester Del Mundo Chico emphasized the symbolic significance of this partnership, coinciding with PACE’s 50th anniversary. He noted the importance of enriching the teaching capabilities of educators through access to insights from seasoned film industry professionals. He was joined by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez and Mapúa University Board of Trustees member Yvonne Yuchengco.
FDCP Chairperson and CEO Jose Javier Reyes delivered the keynote speech, titled 'The Film Teacher and the Study of National Culture and History', highlighting the critical role of educators in promoting Philippine cinema and instilling cultural awareness through film.
One of the program’s highlights was the screening of the classic Lino Brocka film 'Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag', marking its 50th anniversary. The screening was followed by a deep-dive discussion led by Dr. Roland Tolentino and Dr. Anne Frances Sangil of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP), moderated by MPP Chair Dr. Shirley Lua.
A series of dynamic sessions followed, including a story development and scriptwriting crash course by acclaimed screenwriters Dustin Celestino and Giancarlo Abrahan of the Filipino Screenwriters Guild. Producers Khaye Medina and Mica Oliveros provided practical industry insights into production management and film producing.
In the documentary segment, filmmakers and educators Adjani Arumpac (University of the Philippines Film Institute) and Kristoffer Brugada (De La Salle University) led a forum on non-fiction storytelling, moderated by She Andes, Digital Film Program Chair at Mapúa’s School of Media Studies.
Animation took center stage in a vibrant panel featuring Saving Sally director Avid Liongoren, Iti Mapukpukaw director Carl Joseph Papa, and animator Eru Petrasanta. The session was moderated by Keith Sicat, President of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc., and explored the storytelling power of animation in Philippine cinema.
Global cinema was brought into focus with a screening of the Palme d’Or-winning 'Anatomy of a Fall', followed by a critical discussion led by Dr. Patrick Campos (UP Film Institute) and MPP’s Tito Valiente, moderated by film critic Jason Tan Liwag.
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The technical aspects of filmmaking were also explored. Acclaimed cinematographer Lee Briones-Meily led a hands-on activity illustrating visual storytelling through creative drawing. Editor Ilsa Malsi broke down advanced editing techniques using scenes from her award-winning films Babae at Baril and Rookie.
The event concluded with closing remarks from David Corpuz, Dean of Mapúa’s School of Media Studies, who expressed gratitude to FDCP and PACE for choosing the university as host. A memorandum of agreement formalizing the partnership was signed by PACE President Chico, PACE VP for Luzon Reginald Gonzales, and FDCP Chairperson Reyes.
The FDCP x PACE: Training the Teachers initiative stands as a strategic investment in enhancing the future of film education in the Philippines—empowering educators with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to bring cinematic storytelling into the heart of the classroom.
