The National Committee on Cinema (NCCinema) led by National Committee Head Butch Ibanez, under the Subcommission on the Arts (SCA) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), proudly unveils its activities for the 2025 National Arts Month (NAM) through its banner program entitled “Diwa’t Damdamin sa Pelikula Natin.”
In celebration of NAM, NCCinema has curated a series of events aimed at advancing Filipino cinema, fostering film literacy, and celebrating regional stories. These events will take place throughout February across various regions in the Philippines.
Cinema Rehiyon 17 Launch
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NCCinema’s National Arts Month program kicks off with the launch of Cinema Rehiyon, an annual non-competition festival showcasing some of the finest works by filmmakers from across the Philippine archipelago.
Now on its 17th edition, Cinema Rehiyon films will be held at Robinsons Place Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – “Home of the Balangay. This year’s theme, “Balangay: Paglawig Ngadto Hong mga Rehiyon Hong Salidang Pilipino” (Balangay: Sailing Across the Regions of Philippine Cinema), emphasizes unity and diversity in regional cinema. The event launches on February 7 as part of the National Arts Month celebration and officially runs from May 19 to 24, 2025. The festival will feature film screenings, talks, workshops, forums, and a river cruise along the Agusan River, offering participants a deeper appreciation of Mindanaoan culture and cinematic artistry. |
Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula (How to Read a Film)
Mr. Tito Valiente during the Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula Workshop in Ormoc in 2024. |
Another highlight activity of the NCCinema NAM celebration is a film appreciation workshop designed by renowned film critic, educator, and NCC Vice Chairman Tito Valiente. Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula will be conducted in three locations – Butuan, Alaminos (Pangasinan), and in Bulacan.
Paano Magbasa ng Pelikula workshop in Butuan will happen on February 8 at Philippine Science High School – CARAGA Region Campus, and will focus on screening films that highlight Mindanaon imagery.
Set against the backdrop of the Hundred Island Film Festival, the Pangasinan leg of the workshop will be held on February 17 at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center, focusing on film viewing and film criticism.
Meanwhile, hosted at the Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium, Hiyas ng Bulacan Cultural Center in Malolos on February 20, the Bulacan leg this workshop will explore historical research as a foundation for creating films rooted in heritage and history, as embodied by the local film festival dubbed Sineliksik.
Filipino Cinema On Site, On Air, and Online
NCCA Online Film Library on Vimeo Video-On-Demand |
In line with its mission to make Filipino cinema accessible to a broader audience, NCCinema will host screenings across multiple platforms this Arts Month.
Open air screenings of regional films that celebrate local narratives through the Margaha Film Festival will be held from February 22 to 28 in Sagay City, Negros Oriental.
On February 12, and from February 17-21, selected regional films will be broadcast on TV with the Solar Shorts Flix: Regional Films airing via SolarTV. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) via the JuanFlix streaming platform will conduct “Sining Sine” from February 5 to 19.
And finally, a curated collection of Filipino films will be available for free worldwide throughout February via the NCCA Online Film Library on Vimeo Video-On-Demand
Nationwide Initiatives
Workshops and regional film screenings form part of NCC activities in various locations nationwide.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines will host the Short and Sweet Filmmaking Basics with Director Sonny Calvento on February 1 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Jimenez as part of the Pasinaya. Meanwhile in Tayabas, Quezon, Yumi’s Farm will host film workshops and screenings as part of the Orange Tourism Festival from February 12 to 13.
FDCP will also host “Sine Sinta: Pagibig at Pelikula” in select cinemas from February 5 to 11 while MiraNila Heritage House will hold outdoor screenings on February 4 and 12. All Fridays of February, Imus City, Cavite will hold the “SINESINTA KITA” @ AANI NG PAGMAMAHAL: LOVE ART FAIR! at the Gen. Licerio Topacio Park from 5 to 8 PM and in Negros, Margaha Film Festival of Sagay City will hold open-air community screenings from February 22 to 28.
National Arts Month Celebration
Through its vision of a dynamic, creative, and responsible Philippine cinema, NCCinema emphasizes the importance of regional perspectives, celebrating the cultural identities of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through its programs. As the nation’s prime cultural agency, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), led by its chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo and executive director Eric B. Zerrudo, Ph.D., and Commissioner for the Arts Arvin Manuel Villalon, invites the public to come together and celebrate National Arts Month (NAM) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 683 s. 1991, which banners its 2025 theme “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin” (Harvest of the Arts: Soul and Passion).
Halina’t Maki-Sining!
For details on this press release, contact Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head, Public Affairs and Information Office, through pais@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial
