CEB Grades Sine Direk
June 25, 2009


As of June 24, 2009, the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), a department under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has finished reviewing the movies of the Sine Direk Series.
Sine Direk is a joint project of APT Entertainment Inc. with the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) aimed at showcasing the talent and artistry in the Philippine industry.  The series is composed of six (6) feature-length films directed by some of the leading luminaries of the silver screen.
The five films of Sine Direk submitted to the CEB were all graded.  The grade of A was given to Ded na si Lolo by Soxie Topacio, Agaton & Mindy by Peque Gallaga, Bente by Mel Chionglo and Kamoteng Kahoy by Maryo J. Delos Reyes.   A grade of B, on the other hand, was given to Litsonero by Lore Reyes.  Ded na si Lolo is a tragic comic of Filipino beliefs in the event of a deceased loved one while Agaton & Mindy  follows a romance between two unlikely partners in the unlikeliest of places.  Bente, on the other hand, is a back-to-back treatment of the mysterious disappearances and killings of Filipino journalists and activists while Kamoteng Kahoy follows a similar flow as it is based on a true story which happened in Bohol where pupils were accidentally food poisoned by cassava cakes.  Last, but not least, is Litsonero, where we follow a young chef’s apprenticeship with his town’s lechon master and reconciliation with his family amidst challenges.
The FDCP commends APT Entertainment Inc. and DGPI as well the mainstream directors and cast of the films who unselfishly sacrificed and contributed their talents to make this endeavour a success.
Sine Direk not only aimes to showcase the unquestionable talent of these directors but doubles as a fundraiser where proceeds will be given to the scholarship program of DGPI, which helps underprivileged children of men and women who work in the local movie industry to go to school.
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A FIRST AT THE 12th SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
22 June 2009
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) represented the Philippines at the 12th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) where FDCP Chairman Rolando S. Atienza headed the delegation comprised of Lali F. Suzara, Wilma Isleta and Emmie Alquiza.  This year’s festival focused on the French new wave, Chinese classic films after liberation and honored films of Alfred Hitchcock.

Chairman Tong Gang of People’s Republic of China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and TV, in charge of film, met with the FDCP officials and expressed enthusiasm in having the Philippines participate at the SIFF for the first time.

The FDCP officials also held other meetings namely with Erica Nam of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Brian Yang of 408 Films, Vivec Singhania of Picture Perfect India.  Gabor Greiner of the Match Factory Germany, the distributor of Dante Mendoza’s Kinatay, made inquiries about watching Filipino films recently done.  A meeting with Bruce Lee of China TV International Media Ltd., Co. offered assistance in having Filipino films air in China local TV. An upcoming film shoot can also be anticipated as mentioned by Enrico Porcaro of NuoviEventi Italy, sometime March of 2010 while Dean Hou of Beijing Shenshi Huarui Film Investment & Management Co., Ltd. inquired about a possibility of filming in the Philippines and the various location sites.  Allan Poh of White Lion China, on the other hand, showed interest in the distribution of Serbis and Foster Child, works of recently acclaimed Cannes Best Director Brillante “Dante” Mendoza.

During the Festival, a German Reception was held bringing together SIFF delegates and Chairman Atienza and Ms. Suzara met with officials of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Shanghai, Consul General Dr. Albrecht von der Heyden and Vice Consul Henning Hansen.

The Prince of Cockfighting is the Philippines’official entry to the festival.  Directed by Yeng Grande and produced by Armie Fernandez of When Armie Met Monty Productions (WAMM).  The movie won Gold Best Picture at the Worldfest in Houston, USA and is currently for sale.

With Filipino films and filmmakers garnering awards in various international film festivals, the Philippines is gaining back the spotlight and is proving itself to be the premier filming destination in Asia.

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