3-day international film fest set in Zamboanga

Monday, February 13, 2012

THE Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in coordination with the Zamboanga City Government, will mount the first-ever Zamboanga International Film Festival from February 25 to 27, highlighting the 75th Dia de Zamboanga (Charter Day) celebration.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said the film festival, which forms part of FDCP's Sineng Pambansa, will be a three-day exhibit of local and foreign indie films for free at the Mindpro Cinemas 1 and 3.

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The movies that will be on exhibit are not usually screened on mainstream cinemas, the mayor said.

This is the second time that the City Government is partnering with the FDCP for the mounting of Sineng Pambansa after last year's successful film festival that was also held in conjunction with the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

The Red Carpet Night will be held at 7 p.m. of February 25 at the National Museum Courtyard with the presence of dignitaries, filmmakers, directors, artists and other guests.

The closing program will be held at 7 p.m. of February 27 at the Brizza Hall in Lantaka.

A sidelight in the Zamboanga International Film Festival will be the first short film competition with the theme "Kultura de Zamboanga."

The Short Film competition is open to all independent filmmakers at least 16 years old and must not have joined any major film competition.

The filmmaker should be a resident of Zamboanga City or any Province of Zamboanga with at least one-year residency in Zamboanga City or Province of Zamboanga.

Each entry shall follow the theme "Kultura de Zamboanga." Any digital camera may be used, including cell phones, and the video should be at least three minutes but not exceeding 10 minutes.

Use of copyrighted music is prohibited, unless allowed by the owner of the material, while nudity, foul language, slur on religious belief, or any other form of offensive content are also not allowed.

The film may be in the native tongue or dialect, but they must have readable English subtitles.

All entries should be submitted to the City Tourism Office in DVD format on or before February 16. (Bong Garcia)