FDCP unveils first batch of CreatePHFilms grantees

New Filipino stories rise as FDCP announces CreatePHFilms grant recipients.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has officially announced the grantees for the first cycle of its CreatePHFilms Funding Program, supporting a new wave of Filipino filmmakers across short film, project development, and production categories.

In a social media post, the FDCP described the initiative as a program that aims to “empower local filmmakers through production grants that support projects at various stages of development, championing bold storytelling, elevating creative voices, and strengthening Philippine cinema both locally and on the global stage.”

The agency added: “Here’s to bringing raw, authentic Filipino stories to the big screen.”

Among the projects selected under the Large Budget Production category are “Apol of My AI” by Thop Nazareno, “On The Job: Maghari” by Erik Matti, and “Mono No Aware” by BC Amparado.

Meanwhile, the Small Budget Production category includes “Wantawsan” directed by Joseph Abello and produced by Insight 360.

Nazareno’s “Apol of My AI,” Amparado’s “Mono No Aware,” and Abello’s “Wantawsan” are also part of the lineup of the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

The Project Development grantees include “God of Wrestling,” “Luzonensis & Floresiensis,” “Daddy Cool,” “Ichaddao Ko Imu, Lo,” and “Paghupa.”

The Short Film grantees include:

Short Film