The spotlight is on the women of Philippine cinema this September!
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) celebrates Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) 2025 with an exciting array of programs. The festivities will not only pay tribute to female icons but also bring back fan-favorite initiatives like Sine Kabataan and Pelikula ng Bayan. Plus, film lovers can look forward to a new way to watch Filipino films anytime, anywhere with the official launch of the JuanFlix mobile app.
Here’s what to expect:
PELIKULA AT PILIPINA
PFIM 2025: Pelikula at Pilipina honors the Filipina filmmakers and icons who have left an enduring mark on Philippine cinema. The program celebrates the women who have championed change and opened doors for the next generation.
This year’s honorees include: Lee Briones-Meily, Raquel Villavicencio, Gina Alajar, Olivia Lamasan and Malou Santos.
The celebration kicks off on September 1, 2025, with a special screening of the digitally restored classic Ikaw Ay Akin at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La. Directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal, the film stars two of the greatest legends of the screen, the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.
Tribute screenings highlighting the honorees’ works will also be held at SM North EDSA and FDCP Cinematheque Centers in the regions.
- Tanging Yaman (2000), cinematography by Lee Briones-Meily
- Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991), screenplay by Raquel Villavicencio
- Moral (1982), starring Gina Alajar
- Madrasta (1996), directed by Olivia Lamasan
- Anak (2000), produced by Malou Santos
SINE KABATAAN 8
The spotlight is back on young talent as the 8th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival and Laboratory returns! Ten emerging filmmakers from across the country will present their short films from September 5-7, 2025, at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza.
This year, Sine Kabataan is furthering its mission to empower the next generation by expanding its reach. In a pioneering partnership with Netflix, the festival will bring a new set of masterclasses to the regions, starting in Alaminos, Pangasinan, on September 9 and Iloilo on September 11.
FILMS FOR PEACE
The first-ever Films for Peace competition will make its debut on September 13-14, 2025, at SM North EDSA. These films are crafted to leave a lasting impact on audiences, sharing compassionate and clear messages about the many faces of conflict and discrimination.
PFIM GALA NIGHT
Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and recognition!
The PFIM Gala Night takes place on September 11, 2025, at Seda Vertis North. This year’s gala proudly honors the remarkable women of Philippine cinema and celebrates the awardees of the Films for Peace competition. Hosted by Yanah Laurel, the night will feature a star-studded lineup of performers, including: Bituin Escalante, Kuh Ledesma, Lara Maigue, Zephanie, Angela Ken and 92AD.
FILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Join industry experts and veterans at the annual Film Industry Conference, a hybrid event happening on September 26, 2025, at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia. The conference will tackle the latest challenges and trends in Philippine cinema.
This year’s event is also a landmark occasion, as it will reveal the first-ever Film Industry Roadmap, a strategic plan designed to ensure the sustainable growth of the Philippine film industry for years to come.
PELIKULA NG BAYAN, PELIKULA NG PILIPINA
Audiences nationwide can also enjoy a special lineup of female-led and woman-centric films at cinemas across the country.
Film Fridays:
- September 5, 2025 at Centro De Turismo, Intramuros: Brutal (1980) and Karnal (1983), both directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
- September 12, 2025 at Teatro, Fort Santiago: Anak Dalita (1956), directed by National Artist Lamberto Avellana.
Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino:
- September 21, 2025 at the Metropolitan Theater: The restored classic Sisa (1951), directed by Gerardo De Leon.
JuanFlix Presents: Lights Camera Attraction!
- September 20, 2025 at SM North EDSA: Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (2018), directed by Dwein Baltazar.
Pelikula ng Bayan Returns!
Enjoy discounted Sine50 screenings at SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, and Gateway. The lineup includes:
- Big Night! (2021) — Jun Robles Lana
- Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (2018) — Dwein Baltazar
- Miss Bulalacao (2015) — Ara Chawdhury
- Dagitab (2014) — Giancarlo Abrahan
- Patay na si Hesus (2016) — Victor Villanueva
- Apocalypse Child (2015) — Mario Cornejo
As a special treat, the Pelikula ng Bayan caravan heads to Baluarte de San Diego on September 10, 2025, for a screening of Love You to The Stars and Back (2017), directed by Antoinette Jadaone.
FDCP x DGPI FILM PITCH RETURNS!
Got a film idea? Now’s your chance to pitch it!
The film pitching workshop and showcase returns in partnership with the Director’s Guild of the Philippines. Aspiring filmmakers can present their projects directly to producers via “speed dating” sessions and a public pitching event. The showcase is happening on September 25, 2025, at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia.
FILM ARCHIVING SEMINAR
FDCP, in partnership with the MOWELFUND Film Institute and the Society of Filipino Archivists of Film, is launching a new program to train the present and next generation of film preservationists.
Running from September 24 to 26, 2025, the initiative aims to pass down vital best practices and expertise, ensuring the long-term preservation of the country’s valuable filmic history.
THE PHILIPPINES IN BUSAN & TORONTO
The Philippines is ready to make an impact on the global stage. The FDCP will lead delegations to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Asian Contents Film Market at the Busan International Film Festival. By showcasing the best of our local industry and fostering key international partnerships, Philippine cinema continues to rise as a strong and influential voice in the global film community.
PFIM CLOSING CEREMONY
The celebration ends on a high note! The PFIM Closing Ceremony is open to the public on September 27, 2025, at Robinsons Manila. The event will be a fun-filled finale with a star-studded lineup, including: Mr. Fu, River Joseph, Esnyr, Will Ashley and Michael Sager.
The night’s biggest highlight is the official launch of the JuanFlix mobile app. With a fresh look and improved accessibility, this affordable streaming platform will bring Filipino films closer to every viewer, anytime, anywhere.
For details on any of the initiatives and more, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram