In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), now in its fourth year, proves its resiliency by moving the annually-awaited cinematic event online.
For the past three years, the PPP has been featuring innovative and noteworthy local films across cinemas nationwide for a week-long celebration of the Philippine Cinema Industry. During this special event, foreign films are taken out of cinemas (except specialty cinemas) to make way for all Filipino content.
This year, PPP faced an unexpected challenge due to the pandemic. With limited and closed cinema operations, restricted movement, and community lockdowns, organizers and fans alike wondered if the event would even push through.
The verdict? PPP will push through and will enter even stronger! From October 31 to November 15, Filipino cinephiles and local film enthusiasts will be able to watch an outstanding number of at least 145 titles. This includes 67 full-length films and 78 short ones. In addition to this, the tradition of running PPP for only a week is now extended to two.
Every Filipino looking to explore the greater body of Philippine cinema now has more time to sit back, relax, and enjoy as they browse through hundreds of titles in the comfort of their homes. Whether anyone decides to bring in the family for a movie night or to watch alone, there’s no denying that PPP 2020 will be an event to remember.
Photo from Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Facebook Page
According to the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the organizers and brainchild of this event, the PPP will still carry on despite the situation that does not allow for the ever-glamorous and engaging premiere nights, PPP Grand FanCon, and block screenings.
The new theme for PPP4 is aptly entitled “PPP4, Sama All!”, symbolizing as an act of coming together despite limitations.
Photo from Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Facebook Page
Titles to expect include National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik’s “Ang Lakarin ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag”, Mike de Leon’s “Batch ‘81”, and the restored version of Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Brutal” among others.
From the many other titles included, fans can choose from a roster of films under the Premium, Special Screenings, Romance, Youth & Family, Classics, PH Oscar Entries, Genre, Bahaghari, Tribute, From the Regions, Documentaries, Retro, and CineMarya categories.
Free categories include short films from Sine Kabataan, Binisaya Film Festival, cineANIMO Ozamiz Short Film Festival, Cine de Oro Film Festival, cineKabataan: The Kapampangan Film Festival and more.
To view these films, an exclusive FDCP-sponsored platform called “FDCPchannel.ph” will be available for access. During these trying times, 100% of the proceeds collected from festival passes (Premium All-Access Pass, Half-Run Pass, and Day Pass) will be distributed to producers involved in the event.