CCP Sineklab to revive interest in Filipino films

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the City Government here partnered together to bring the best of Filipino films in a bid to revive interest in vintage and contemporary films.

CCP Media Arts director Ed Delos Santos Cabagnot facilitated the film viewing and appreciation workshop at the Heroes Hall Theater under the CCP Sineklab program.

The three-day event which started September 11 featured discussion on film criticism, appreciation, and discussions on classical and independent films in the Philippine genre of art, culture, and society.

Cabagnot said CCP Sineklab was organized by the CCP in the 90s to promote Filipino films in the countryside and create pools of art lovers in different city centers of the country.

The program taps schools, the academe, government units and art lovers alike, he said.

“We would like to promote appreciation of Filipino films much more in a time when we have so many Film Festivals happening today and most of which would have a Filipino film winning some awards. We have a wealth also of films from the classics that students and art lovers can now see through the help of CCP,” Cabagnot said.

The CCP Sineklab presented films like “Limbunan” by Teng Mangansakan (2009), “Biyaya ng Lupa” by Manuel Silos (1959), “Insiang” by Lino Brocka (1981), “Niño” by Loy Arcenas (2011), and “Ang Babae sa Septik Tank” by Marlon Rivera (2011) among others.

Cabagnot said the programs presents a wholesome avenue for young and aspiring filmmakers to learn some of the rudiments of film-making and the philosophy and concepts that swept the local filmmaking industry since the golden era of Filipino films and today’s more popular indie film scene. (Ian Ocampo Flora)