CinemaBravo

The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) took part in the media launch of the 2026 Montañosa Film Festival on March 14 at the Amphitheatre, SM Sky Terrace in Baguio City, gathering filmmakers, cultural workers, and members of the press for discussions centered on regional filmmaking and the future of the Philippine film industry.

During the event, the Academy emphasized its ongoing efforts to strengthen connections with regional film communities and promote initiatives that support film workers across the country. The activity also served as an opportunity to highlight the importance of storytelling that reflects voices and experiences from different parts of the Philippines.

Representing the Film Academy of the Philippines at the launch were Director-General Paolo Villaluna and Film Workers Development Division Chief Mackie Galvez. Both joined a panel discussion alongside representatives from the Baguio City local government, organizers of the Montañosa Film Festival, and members of the regional filmmaking community.

The discussion touched on the significance of regional film festivals in nurturing local talent and creating platforms for filmmakers outside Metro Manila. Panelists also discussed the vital role of film workers in shaping the direction of Philippine cinema and strengthening the industry’s foundation.

Villaluna said that regional festivals are essential in making sure the country’s film landscape reflects stories and perspectives beyond the capital.

“Local and regional film festivals are important because they remind us that filmmaking and storytelling are not Manila-centric. It is important that each region gets to tell its own stories,” he said. 

He added that the partnership between the Academy and the Montañosa Film Festival is especially meaningful this year as the former prepares to hold the first Luzon Guild Summit during the festival.

“For film workers to be truly empowered, it is important that they come together and form guilds. Through the Luzon Guild Summit, representatives from every region in Luzon will be present, allowing guilds and filmmakers to come together and discuss how we can move forward and better support our community,” Villaluna said. 

The summit, scheduled on March 29, will focus on guild formation, key industry concerns, and the Film Academy’s professionalization initiatives for audiovisual workers. 

Among the initiatives to be introduced during the summit is the Academy Membership, a national audiovisual workers’ database designed to document and connect film professionals across the country. 

Galvez explained that the platform will serve both as a resource for the government and as a professional directory for film workers. 

“The goal of the workers’ database is to give the government a clearer understanding of who our film workers are. At the same time, it will function as a professional platform where our workers can be represented by the Film Academy and be discovered locally and internationally,” Galvez said. 

The summit will also include orientations on the Eddie Garcia Law, as well as the Academy’s grievance, arbitration, and mediation channels aimed at protecting film workers and strengthening professional standards in the industry. 

Villaluna also underscored the importance of collaboration between national agencies and local governments in strengthening the country’s film ecosystem. 

“Local film festivals are important not only culturally, but also as venues for new filmmakers to actually show their films. Support from local governments and national agencies helps create these opportunities for emerging voices.” 

Following the media launch, the Academy hosted a Baguio Media Meet and Greet, gathering around 40 members of the local media. 

During the event, Villaluna introduced the Academy’s mandate and shared updates on its programs supporting Filipino filmmakers and audiovisual workers, while strengthening partnerships with regional media organizations. 

Through its participation in the festival and the upcoming summit, the Film Academy of the Philippines continues to expand its engagement with regional creative communities, ensuring that film workers across the country have access to opportunities, representation, and platforms for collaboration. #