Shaping the Next Generation of Storytellers: FDCP and iACADEMY Ignite a Bold New Chapter for Philippine Cinema through Academic Film Society

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an inspiring convergence of passion, purpose, and cinematic vision, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), in partnership with iACADEMY, ignited the first Academic Film Society (AFS) gathering of 2025 — a momentous event that may very well shape the future of Philippine cinema.

Held within the creative heart of iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall, the inaugural meeting wasn’t just a ceremonial launch — it was a resounding call to arms for student filmmakers and educators across the country. It was a collective declaration: that cinema, as both an art and a force for education, deserves to be nurtured, elevated, and deeply embedded in our academic and cultural landscape.

This milestone gathering drew representatives from colleges, universities, and high schools nationwide — all united by a shared mission to uplift film education and empower a new breed of storytellers. The Academic Film Society, a flagship initiative of the FDCP, serves as a beacon for this mission — fostering a vibrant community of student filmmakers and educators while integrating film more deeply into academic curricula.

A Vision Shared, A Future Envisioned

Raquel Perez-Wong, President and COO of iACADEMY, captured the spirit of the gathering in her opening remarks:

"Today, we come together not just as individuals but as a thriving community of filmmakers, educators, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the future of Philippine cinema."

Her words echoed a belief that cinema is not just a discipline or industry — it is a powerful unifier, a voice for the youth, and a reflection of our shared narratives. She expressed hope that the gathering would spark new collaborations, embolden bold storytelling, and celebrate the power of film as a transformative tool.

Echoing this sentiment was FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier "Direk Joey" Reyes, whose message resonated with gratitude and resolve. Acknowledging the role of educators as catalysts for growth, Direk Joey emphasized how the AFS will bridge the divide between classroom learning and the dynamic, real-world demands of filmmaking.

"Film education must evolve. It must empower students to tell their truths, to find their voices, and to craft stories that challenge, move, and inspire," he said.

Mapping the Road Ahead

FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz provided attendees with a roadmap of the agency’s programs for the first half of 2025 — from intensive workshops and training sessions to nationwide student film festivals and filmmaker talks. These initiatives underscore the FDCP’s commitment to building not just skills, but confidence, creativity, and community among student filmmakers.

Meanwhile, FDCP Exhibition Division Head Jeanivieve Lopez-Marcos championed JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel — a platform that doesn't just stream Filipino films but also promotes a culture of film literacy and appreciation. Through accessible content and educational tie-ins, JuanFlix is poised to become an essential tool for schools integrating cinema into their learning frameworks.

Open Dialogue, Shared Aspirations

The open forum, moderated by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez, provided a vital space for honest conversation and feedback. Representatives from different institutions raised questions, shared practices, and proposed ideas that could further enhance the AFS framework — making it not just a support system, but a collaborative hub that thrives on co-creation.

Participants discussed aligning their school calendars with FDCP’s 2025 film events, explored potential inter-school projects, and called for more inclusive platforms where emerging voices can be heard and celebrated.

A Collective Commitment to Cinema

As the gathering came to a close, the mood was far from final — it was only the beginning. Energized by a renewed sense of purpose and backed by the unwavering support of the FDCP, the member institutions left with more than just plans — they carried with them a spark. A spark to innovate, to collaborate, and to push the boundaries of what Filipino student filmmakers can achieve.

The FDCP’s call remains open: for more schools, educators, and student film groups to join the Academic Film Society. To be part of this movement is to be part of something bigger — a collective endeavor to ensure that the stories of tomorrow are born today, in classrooms, on campuses, and through the creative hearts of young Filipinos.

Because in every student with a camera, a pen, or a dream, lies the future of Philippine cinema. And with initiatives like the AFS, that future is looking exceptionally bright.

Wazzup Pilipinas! Supporting the next generation of cinematic storytellers — one frame, one voice, one vision at a time.

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