WV film Manggagarab joins Cinemalaya 2018

For the first time, a Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI Western Visayas Film grantee has been included in 2018 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 3-12, 2018.

Western Visayas Film Grant Program is being funded by the DOT Region 6 to help talented filmmakers from Western Visayas for the production of their short films showing regional culture and tourist destinations in the region.

The Manggagarab (Man with A Sickle) by Kyle Fermindoza produced by Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI and CineKasimanwa: Western Visayas Film Festival has been part of the Indie Nation Category of Cinemalaya 2018. It was screened at Cinemalaya last August 8, 2018 at the CCP Dream Theater.

The CineKasimanwa: Western Visayas Film Festival is the only regional film festival that has been included in the Philippine Independent Film Festival 2018.

"Department of Tourism Region VI has always been proud of the Western Visayas film grantees because they help in the development and promotion of culture and destinations in Region VI through their films. With the achievement of Manggagarab to be included in the Philippine Independent Film Festival 2018, it provides chance to show to a bigger avenue the talent of Ilonggo filmmakers and the destinations in Western Visayas," DOT Region VI Director Helen Catalbas said.

Meanwhile, DOT Region 6 and CineKasimanwa are responsible for the execution of the booth at the Cinemalaya Film Market 2018. The booth features eight films of other Western Visayas Film grantees.

The Department of Tourism Region VI is looking forward to discover more filmmakers in Western Visayas that could make films that depict stories from Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

“We are hoping that through Manggagarab’s entry to Cinemalaya 2018, more filmmakers from Western Visayas will be inspired and can come up with good films showcasing the importance of people and their dreams, culture and the beautiful destinations in Region VI. The Department of Tourism Region VI is ready to help them through the Western Visayas Film Grant Program”, Catalbas added.