FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes talks about the launch of Cinematheque Manila and the soon-to-open Philippine Film Heritage Building.
A new chapter for Philippine cinema quietly unfolded over the weekend in Intramuros.
The Cinematheque Manila, under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), was launched with a ceremonial screening attended by First Lady Liza Marcos Araneta. The evening’s centerpiece was Jun Robles Lana’s dramatic film “Sisa,” with veteran actress Hilda Koronel present for the occasion.
But the screening was more than a cinematic throwback. It also served as a preview of what’s to come when the Philippine Film Heritage Building—where the Cinematheque sits—officially opens on April 8.
For FDCP chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, the moment marks something Philippine cinema has never quite had before: a permanent home.
“We inaugurated the Cinematheque ahead of the entire building mainly because we wanted to open Lana’s ‘Sisa’ and put it side by side with Gerardo de León’s ‘Sisa,’” Reyes told Radar Entertainment.
The “mother” Cinematheque
Reyes described Cinematheque Manila as the “mother Cinematheque.” It will serve as the programming hub for government-run Cinematheques in Bacolod, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Nabunturan in Davao de Oro
“This is where all the programming comes from,” Reyes said, though provincial Cinematheques also mount their own programs.
If things go according to plan, Reyes hopes to open two more in Baguio and Dumaguete, while a request has also come from Naga—though expansion depends on funding.
A walk through film history
Inside, the Cinematheque doubles as a tribute to Filipino filmmakers. Hallways are lined with posters honoring both National Artists and contemporary directors, including Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz, Joel Lamangan, Peque Gallaga, Mario J. de los Reyes, Mario O’Hara and Mel Chionglo.
The displays will rotate regularly, Reyes said, with space ready should another National Artist for Film and Broadcasting be named this year.
More than screenings
While screenings remain central, Reyes stressed the Cinematheque is also meant for film education and regional filmmaking.
Workshops, lectures and forums are part of the programming slate. Students and aspiring filmmakers will also have access to curated screenings and Q&A sessions with directors.
“Three films by one director, then a discussion afterward,” Reyes said. “Open to students. Open to anybody.”
The FDCP is also organizing a new acting workshop led by an Academy Award–winning actress whose name remains under wraps because of a non-disclosure agreement. Participants will come from talent pools of ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5.
The program builds on last year’s Meisner workshop led by Angeli Bayani, which produced standout participant JM Ibarra, later recognized for his work in the film “Child No. 82.”
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Preserving film heritage
Beyond the Cinematheque itself, the Philippine Film Heritage Building will house facilities dedicated to preserving the country’s cinematic legacy. The complex includes film vaults, restoration labs and digitization equipment used to scan and preserve old movies.
Reyes said the FDCP has begun gathering significant works from studios and filmmakers, including titles connected to Regal Entertainment and films by major directors such as Ishmael Bernal, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Lino Brocka and early works by Lav Diaz.
A digitized library of film scripts accessible to the public is also being planned.
Even the lobby design nods to film history. It features imagery from “Dalagang Bukid,” the 1919 silent movie by Jose Nepomuceno widely considered the first Filipino-produced film.
“We are exactly 107 years old,” Reyes said of Philippine cinema. “And this Film Heritage Building is a celebration of those 107 years.”
Built through collaboration
The project itself is the result of several contributions.
According to Reyes, construction of the Cinematheque was funded largely through a donation from Robin Padilla, while additional support came from Jinggoy Estrada. Final funding that allowed the building to be completed came through assistance from the First Lady and DPWH secretary Vince Dizon.
The total cost of the project reached around P250 million.
But beyond the figures and facilities, Reyes says the significance of the building is simpler—and long overdue.
“Finally,” he said with a smile, “there is a home for Philippine cinema.”
We inaugurated the Cinematheque ahead of the entire building mainly because we wanted to open Lana’s ‘Sisa’ and put it side by side with Gerardo de León’s ‘Sisa.’ …Finally, there is a home for Philippine cinema.
Jose Javier Reyes
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