Sine Bohol Brings Local Filmmakers and Creatives Together
BOHOL - The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) continues to support the province’s creative sector through the four-day Sine Bohol 2026 Workshop and Festival Programme, which opened on September 10 at Panda Tea. Now on its second year, the initiative brings together Boholano filmmakers, cultural workers, and creatives through workshops, discussions, and film-related activities. With support from the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD), Bohol Island Geopark Management Unit, and BACH Council, the program has grown from six productions in 2025 to nine productions in 2026, reflecting the expanding pool of local filmmaking talent.
Using Cinema to Tell Bohol’s Stories
The program emphasizes the role of filmmaking in documenting and sharing the province’s culture, history, communities, and identity. Representing BPTO head Joanne Pinat, Mary Lou Regis highlighted how creatives can tell stories that portray Bohol as a living geopark where geology, nature, culture, livelihoods, and communities are closely connected. Cultural bearer Lutgardo Labad likewise encouraged filmmakers to place cultural research at the heart of their storytelling, emphasizing that cinema can serve not only as a creative product but also as a platform for sharing important stories and heritage. Sessions such as “Knowing Your Roots” by Athena Garcia and “Heritage & Religion” by Aldalberto Rama further give participants opportunities to deepen their understanding of Bohol’s cultural traditions.
Nurturing Creativity and Cultural Stewardship
Vice Gov. Nick Besas, representing Gov. Aris Aumentado, emphasized the value of creativity as a form of stewardship that can help preserve Bohol’s heritage and strengthen the province’s sense of place for future generations. Through Sine Bohol, emerging and established creatives are given opportunities to develop their skills while exploring stories rooted in the communities and landscapes around them. The initiative also strengthens the connection between the creative industry and cultural preservation, allowing local filmmakers to contribute to how Bohol is understood and remembered. By supporting filmmaking and cultural storytelling, the province continues to nurture creative talent while promoting the stories and heritage of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark.
