Nine Local Filmmakers Receive Support for Their Films
BACOLOD - Nine shortlisted homegrown filmmakers will compete in the Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2026, with each filmmaker receiving a PHP100,000 grant to support the development and completion of their short film. The grantees were presented during a press conference at the City Mayor’s Office on September 7, ahead of the festival scheduled for November 27 to 29, 2026. The nine films are “Be ’Ware of Dog” by Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa, “Si Balong Gin Bulang” by Farlyn John Casidsid, “Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod” by Dranreb Cimatu, “Ka Aslum sang Batwan” by Renzo Grijaldo, “Princaesar” by Jaden Tenzing Mijares, “Lumay” by Mai Montelibano, “Duwa Duwa” by Kurt Soberano, “Tukturuok” by Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa, and “Ang Tagabantay” by Pamela Reinee Viedor. Now in its third edition, the festival carries the theme “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future,” placing local identity and heritage at the center of the filmmakers’ work.
Films That Showcase Bacolod’s Culture and Heritage
The BFF grants are intended to help filmmakers during production, with many of the shoots taking place within Bacolod City. Each participating short film will have a running time of 15 to 20 minutes and must incorporate three to five recognizable heritage elements of Bacolod. These may include the city’s people and communities, historical landmarks, traditions, festivals, food culture, and other cultural assets. Through these requirements, the festival encourages filmmakers to explore different aspects of Bacolod and present them through creative storytelling. Festival Director Tanya Lopez emphasized the importance of rediscovering Bacolod’s heritage and understanding what makes the city unique. The participating filmmakers will also undergo script consultations, workshops, and production mentoring to help strengthen their films and develop their skills.
Strengthening Bacolod’s Growing Creative Industry
The city government continues to support the Bacolod Film Festival as part of its broader efforts to develop the local creative sector. Mayor Greg Gasataya reiterated the city’s support for the festival and highlighted the role of G-Hive, a creative industry hub established by the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions at the Mansilingan Activity Center. The facility provides local creatives with access to a film studio and filmmaking equipment that can help them improve their production capabilities and skills. The financial support for the nine filmmakers also reflects the city’s investment in creating opportunities for homegrown talent. The initiative builds on City Ordinance 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, passed by the City Council in 2024 to further develop the city’s film production industry and provide local filmmakers and producers with a venue to showcase their work. Through the BFF 2026, Bacolod continues to strengthen its creative community while using film as a platform to celebrate its heritage and shape new stories for future audiences.
