MANILA, PHILIPPINES – This September, the spotlight shines on the women who shaped, led and transformed our cinema as the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) celebrates Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) 2025 with a vibrant lineup of programs and events for all kinds of Filipino cineastes.

PFIM 2025 highlights the female icons of Philippine cinema’s past and present, while also bringing back crowd-favorite initiatives such as Sine Kabataan, Pelikula ng Bayan, and introducing a brand new way to enjoy the best of Filipino cinema anytime, anywhere in the country.

PELIKULA AT PILIPINA

While the film industry has long been male-dominated, built on the contribution of women who rose to the top and left an enduring mark on cinematic history, PFIM 2025: Pelikula at Pilipina honors the women who changed Philippine cinema in their time and opened doors for those empowered to walk the same path:

• Lee Briones-Meily
• Raquel Villavicencio
• Gina Alajar
• Olivia Lamasan
• Malou Santos

Festivities open with a film featuring two of the brightest stars of the screen as they reclaim their power as women in the face of adversity: the Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor. The digitally restored Ikaw Ay Akin, directed by fellow National Artist Ishmael Bernal, ushers in the PFIM celebration on September 1, 2025, at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La.

The festivities continue with tribute screenings highlighting the works of our honorees at SM North EDSA and our 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 country’s premiere youth cinema festival returns as ten emerging filmmakers from across the Philippines present their short films at the 8th Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival and Laboratory from September 5-7, 2025, at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri La Plaza.

Furthering its mission to empower the next generation of Filipino filmmakers, SineKab expands to the regions with a new set of masterclasses in collaboration with Netflix. This pioneering edition will kick off in Alaminos, Pangasinan and Iloilo on September 9 and 11 respectively.

FILMS FOR PEACE

The inaugural Films for Peace film competition is set to premiere on September 13 and 14, 2025 at SM North EDSA. These films aim to leave a lasting impact, sharing their message with compassion and clarity for those affected by differing faces of conflict and discrimination.

PFIM GALA NIGHT

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 slew of dazzling performers!

• Bituin Escalante
• Kuh Ledesma
• Lara Maigue
• Zephanie
• 92AD

FILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

The annual Film Industry Conference returns as a one-day event led by industry experts and veterans tackling present challenges and trends in Philippine cinema. The hybrid (onsite and online) conference happens on September 26, 2025, at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia.

This year’s FIC also marks the unveiling of the first Film Industry Roadmap, a research-based, long term strategic plan for the sustainable  development of the Philippine film industry. 

PELIKULA NG BAYAN, PELIKULA NG PILIPINA

Audiences nationwide can enjoy female-led and woman-centric classics through special screenings in cinemas across the country!

Film Fridays:

Brutal (1980) and Karnal (1983), directed by National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya
- September 5, 2025 at Centro De Turismo, Intramuros

Anak Dalita (1956), directed by National Artist Lamberto Avellana
- September 12, 2025 at Teatro, Fort Santiago
 

Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino: The restored Sisa (1951), Directed by Gerardo De Leon
- September 21, 2025 at the Metropolitan Theater
 

JuanFlix Presents: Lights Camera Attraction! Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (2018) directed by Dwein Baltazar
- September 20, 2025 at SM North EDSA

Making its return is the crowd favorite Pelikula ng Bayan with abot-kayang Sine50 screenings at SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma, Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, and Gateway! 

• Big Night! (2021), directed by Jun Robles Lana
• Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus (2018), directed by Dwein Baltazar
• Miss Bulalacao (2015), directed by Ara Chawdhury
• Dagitab (2014), directed by Giancarlo Abrahan
• Patay na si Hesus (2016), directed by Victor Villanueva
• Apocalypse Child (2015), directed by 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!

In collaboration with the Director’s Guild of the Philippines, the film pitching workshop and showcase returns for aspiring filmmakers to pitch their dream projects to producers via speed dating and public pitching. The pitching showcase is set to happen on September 25, 2025 at the Lanson Place, Mall of Asia.

FDCP-PFA x MFI x SOFIA: FILM ARCHIVING SEMINAR

The FDCP, MOWELFUND Film Institute, and the Society of Filipino Archivists of Film, join forces to train the present and next generation of film preservationists! Passing down best practices from the old guard to foster a commitment to preserving our filmic history, the program is set to run from September 24 to 26, 2025.

THE PHILIPPINES IN BUSAN & TORONTO

The Philippines is making bold strides on the global stage. This September, the FDCP heads to the Toronto International Film Festival and the Asian Contents Film Market at the Busan International Film Festival, not just to be seen but to make an impact. By showcasing the best of our local industry and fostering international partnerships, Philippine cinema continues to rise as a strong and influential voice on the world stage.

PFIM CLOSING CEREMONY

We're ending the month on a high note!  The PFIM Closing Ceremony is open to the public, a celebration for one and all, packed with fun, surprises, and a star-studded lineup featuring:  

• Mr. Fu
• River Joseph
• Esnyr
• Will Ashley
• Michael Sager

Leading up to the grand launch, JuanFlix: The FDCP channel will also be part of key PFIM events, including Sine Kabataan, Films for Peace and more! And the big highlight at the closing ceremony — Juanflix will officially unveil its brand new mobile app! With a fresh interface and improved accessibility, this affordable streaming platform brings Filipino films even closer to every Juan, anytime, anywhere! Join the celebration on September 27, 2025 at Robinsons Manila and be part of the PFIM finale!.

For details on any of the initiatives and more, follow the FDCP on Facebook, X, and Instagram