LAOAG CITY—To further promote Ilocos Norte’s cinematic landscape as a film destination, the Philippine Film Export Services Office (PFESO), under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), is eyeing the establishment of a cinematheque, a media hub to bring in local films to residents here.
According to Rogerio Bismonte Jr. of the Ilocos Norte government’s media incentives desk, PFESO representatives are on exploratory visit in the provinces’ various tourism sites here while looking for a possible site to establish a local film center.
There are at least five cinematheques in the Philippines, and the nearest to Laoag is in Baguio City.
Once established in the province, the PFESO said the cinematheque would make it easier for them to promote Ilocos Norte as a film tourism destination here and abroad.
To do that, the PFESO has recommended the passing of an ordinance in the municipal, city or provincial level for the creation of a film commission to implement this purpose.
Mr. Bismonte said the proposed film commission may also to promote the preservation of the Ilocano culture through the film industry.
Over the years, Philippines cinematheque has played a vital role in the national cinema program of the FDCC.
Designed as an alternative and accessible venue for classic and contemporary Filipino film, both mainstream and independent, cinematheque also serves as a venue for workshops and symposiums on directing, scriptwriting, editing, cinematography and all other aspects of filmmaking and to carry out film cultural exchange program with other countries.
Mandated by Executive Order (EO) No. 674 (series of 2007), PFESO’s creation under FDCP aims to promote the country as a viable location site and post-production service provider for international filmmakers.
The office is being run by representatives from its partner agencies such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Investments. (Leilanie G. Adriano)
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