The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has officially announced the opening of the new cycle for CreatePHFilms, its local funding program for Filipino filmmakers and producers. This 2023 cycle, which opened its call for applications on January 16, 2023, offers four funding programs for the development and production of mid-length and feature films in the genres of fiction, documentary, and animation.
Aspiring filmmakers and producers are encouraged to apply for the program to receive funding support for their projects and bring their stories to life on the big screen:
Development Fund: A selective and non-recoupable fund of PHP300,000 with
mentoring sessions with industry experts.
● Small Budget Production Fund: A selective and non-recoupable fund for the production of Filipino films with an overall production budget of less than PHP15,000,000.
● Large Budget Production Fund: A selective and non-recoupable fund for the production of Filipino films with an overall production budget of at least PHP15,000,000.
● Post-production Fund: A selective and non-recoupable fund of PHP300,000 for post-production companies engaged with post-production companies registered under the FDCP National Registry for Companies.
To be eligible for the CreatePHFilms funding program, applicants must be registered and accredited in the FDCP National Registry. Additionally, projects that are submitted must be directed by a Filipino individual.
Strengthening PH Cinema and boosting the economy through CreatePHFilms
CreatePHFilms funding program, managed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), has a requirement that 100% of the funds must be spent in the Philippines to boost the local economy and provide economic opportunities for local services, artists, crew members, and other film workers.
In 2022, FDCP awarded a total of PHP 4.6 million to 19 grantees, with 15 for Scriptwriting and Project Development, two for Small Budget Production, and two for Post-production. Notable grantees of the CreatePHFilms funding programs include Sundance 2022-winning film “Ang Pagbabalik ng Kwago” (Leonor Will Never Die) by Martika Escobar, Sundance 2023 selection “In My Mother’s Skin” by Kenneth Dagatan, and internationally-acclaimed disaster film “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” (Whether the Weather is Fine) by Carlo Francisco Manatad.
The FDCP aims to amplify the Philippine film industry’s reputation as a growing and thriving film hotspot with local, independent, and innovative creatives in order to attract worldwide attention. The CreatePHFilms Cycle 1 of 2023 will accept applications until March 17, 2023.
For more information on the application process, visit https://fdcp.ph/programs/createphfilms or send an email to createphfilms@fdcp.ph for inquiries.
