By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Nine shortlisted homegrown filmmakers will receive grants of PHP100,000 each to support the completion and development of their short films for the Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2026 on Nov. 27 to 29.
The grantees, who were presented in a press conference at the City Mayor’s Office on Monday, will compete in the BFF’s third edition themed “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future.”
The films are “Be ’Ware of Dog” by Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa, “Si Balong Gin Bulang” by Farlyn John Casidsid, “Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod” by Dranreb Cimatu, “Ka Aslum sang Batwan” by Renzo Grijaldo, “Princaesar” by Jaden Tenzing Mijares, “Lumay” by Mai Montelibano, “Duwa Duwa” by Kurt Soberano, “Tukturuok” by Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa and “Ang Tagabantay” by Pamela Reinee Viedor.
Mayor Greg Gasataya reiterated the city government’s full support for the film festival and the city’s creative sector, also through the G-Hive, a creative industry hub established by the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions at the Mansilingan Activity Center.
“It provides access to a film studio and filmmaking equipment to help local creatives further develop their skills,” Gasataya said.
BFF 2026 festival director Tanya Lopez said the grant is the city government’s financial support to the filmmakers during the shoots, primarily located within the city, to showcase Bacolod’s unique culture, communities and heritage on screen.
“It’s high time that we rediscover what is Bacolod. What is our heritage in Bacolod,” she added.
The PHP100,000 grant will be released in two tranches, with participating filmmakers also taking part in script consultations, workshops and production mentoring organized by the festival.
Each short film, with a total running time of 15 to 20 minutes, must integrate three to five recognizable heritage elements of Bacolod, including its people, communities, historical landmarks, traditions, festivals, food culture and other cultural assets.
In 2024, the City Council passed City Ordinance 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, to further develop the city’s film production scene and create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents. (PNA)
