THE Silay City Government is sponsoring the First Silay City Film Festival. This coincides with the celebration of the National Arts Month in February. The event is aimed to promote Philippine arts through motion picture. The film making competition is open to all Silaynons.
Silaynons revived Hiligaynon zarzuela on stage during the time of Mayor Natalio G. Velez with the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and some interesting figures in the theater arts like Doreen Gamboa- Fernandez, Nestor Jardin, Tess Ranches, Nanding Josef, Monino Duque, among others. The Hacienda Adela Community Theater Group was given the opportunity to present “Mam-is Man Gali Ang Kalamay” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1992 during the “Unang Tagpo” festival.
The Kabataang Silay Rondalla under the baton of “maestro” Jegger Anhao made a name for Silay and Negros Occidental when the ensemble represented the Republic of the Philippines in international music festivals held in Scotland, China, Singapore, and Taiwan. Our young musicians are considered the ambassadors of culture. Hugyaw Silay dancers are also gradually earning a name for themselves in their varied performances in Negros (also outside of the province).
Silay City is a recipient of the “Ani ng Sining” plaque of appreciation from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts because of its unwavering support as partner in the completion of the various events in the promotion of the arts. Speaking of the film, several movies were filmed in Silay: “Everyday, I Love You” (the most recent), “Ligaw-Liham,” “Namets”, “Oro, Plata, Mata,” among others. Many themes could be culled out from Silay cultural and historical scenario.
This film-making competition shall be about Silay (culture, tradition, people, tourism, lifestyle, etc.). The theme must project positive outlook for the city. Stories based on horror, thrill, suspense, sex exploitation, and other crimes are not allowed. The finished product (film) should run from five up to fifteen minutes only. Language used should be in Hiligaynon, English, or Tagalog.
The Film Festival Committee will only accommodate seven entries on a first-come, first-served basis. Each production group will receive a subsidy of P5,000. The script, synopsis, or concept paper shall be submitted to the organizer on or before January 18. Deadline of official film entries shall be on February 15 and must be submitted in DVD format (5 copies). All entries will become the property of the Silay City Government after submission.
Judging of entries will be on February 27 (6pm) at Senator Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center. Awards are as follows: 1st place, P10,000; 2nd place, P7,000; 3rd place, P3,000. Special awards include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Script, and Best Musical Score.
The Silay City Government is encouraging Silaynons to update their skills in acting, script writing, production design, playing of musical instruments, and to embrace the new technology in film making. Teachers in theater arts, journalism, communication, and information technology are encouraged to motivate their students to do basic film making starting from the classrooms.
This program is strongly supported and assisted by the Tourism-Cultural-Community Affairs Office in coordination with the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism. Participating production outfits are free to seek assistance from the organizing committee. Break a leg!