The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Office of Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA), together with the National Committee on Cinema, Cine Kasimanwa, Film Development Council of the Philippines, Solar Flix, City of Bago, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, held Cinema Rehiyon 16 at Cinema Exmundo, UPV Cinematheque, UP Visayas Iloilo City Campus.
The opening ceremony of Cinema Rehiyon 16 was held on March 19. Cinema Rehiyon 16’s theme is “Patubas sang Taliambong, Banwa nga Mahamungayaon” (Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain).
The ceremony was attended by guests and delegates from all over the country. They were welcomed by Prof. Martin G. Genodepa, Director of OICA.
During the opening ceremony, guests and delegates paid tribute to Dr. Adrian Torres and Teddy Co. Dr. Torres was a production and costume designer, film festival organizer, community leader, and former member of the National Committee on Cinema of the NCCA. Meanwhile, Teddy Co was an archivist, curator, and former chairman of the National Committee on Cinema of the NCCA.
Festival director Prof. Noel Galon delivered his words of gratitude to the delegates, individuals, and committees who made the event possible. Cinema Rehiyon16 Committee on Cinema Vice Chairman and film critic, Sir Tito Genova Valiente, delivered a keynote message titled “When the Lights are Out: Regional Movies in My Mind.”
Cinema Rehiyon 16 is a three-day event that will showcase regional filmmakers and their films. Film screenings will be available until the 21st of March at the Cinema Exmundo, UPV Cinematheque. This event aims to forge connections among regional filmmakers of all backgrounds and showcase their films rooted in their cultures. (Ms. Mary Arvic Dolendo, with sources from Cinema Rehiyon)
