Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino goes online: Watch films, help pandemic-hit film industry

Filipinos stuck at home can enjoy Philippine films from a variety of genres and help the pandemic-hit film industry to boot through this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Liza Diño announced that the 4th iteration of PPP will be done online, through a website where viewers can register for free passes and paid passes for access to over 100 films.

The film festival will last from October 31 to November 15.

To register, just head to FDCPChannel.PH. After registering, you’ll be asked to choose between a free pass and an early bird pass costing P450. The early bird pass is a discounted version of a P599 premium pass that will give the holder access to films under the festival’s “premium” category.

The early bird pass also allows the holder to watch any of 100 films until October 15 or 16 days before the start of the festival itself.

The selection includes restored classics like Genghis Khan, made in 1950 by National Artist Manuel Conde and Manila By Night, a 1980 film by Ishmael Bernal.

There are also multi-awarded films like Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa, well-known dramas like Marilou Diaz Abaya’s Muro-Ami, and the 1976 drama Insiang by Lino Brocka.

For those looking for romance, there are movies like Never Not Love You, Una Kang Naging Akin, Ulan, and Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.

The website will be updated with more titles in the coming days.

As the festival dates near, those who register can sign up for a P99-day pass, an 8-day pass, or the premium pass.

All proceeds of the online festival will go to members of the film industry, a sector heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In our sector, only 20% have begun to work again. What FDCP is doing is our way to extend support to our producers. Let’s show our love, support the PPP,” said Diño in Filipino. – Pia Ranada/Rappler.com