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‘We keep talking about filmmaking here in Manila, but there is such wealth in the regions,’ says award-winning director Jose Javier Reyes
MANILA, Philippines – For esteemed director Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, if there’s a highlight in the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this year, it’s the spotlight on the young and regional filmmakers.
“We keep talking about filmmaking here in Manila, but there is such wealth in the regions,” Reyes, the chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), told Rappler.
The PFIM saw the entire month of September stage local film screenings, workshops, talks, and other activities to celebrate and push Philippine cinema forward.
And for Reyes, it’s the 8th edition of Sine Kabataan that turned out to be one of the organization’s most successful initiatives, as the youth-made entries screened at the event included entries from all over the region.
One of the three awardees of Sine Kabataan was Cebuano director Jon Owen Lepiten’s Sunog sa Sugbo. It won Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and the Special Jury Prize.
Lepiten sees the film’s awards as a win for Cebuano cinema and a chance to bring Cebu’s displacement issues to light through film.
Apart from Sine Kabataan, Reyes also took pride in their tribute to the Filipinas of the local film industry. During the 2025 PFIM gala night, the FDCP honored Gina Alajar, Malou Santos, Lee Briones-Meily, Raquel Villavicencio, and Olivia Lamasan — five women who have cemented their legacies in Filipino film.
“The ones who greatly shape Philippine movies are the women. From Doña Sisang to Emilia Blas, Manay Ichu, Mother Lily, Charo [Santos-Concio], Armida Siguion-Reyna. But nobody gives them too [much] focus,” Reyes shared.
The PFIM ended with a star-studded program on Saturday, September 27, at Robinsons Galleria Manila. PBB Collab housemates and actors Esnyr, Michael Sager, River Joseph, and Will Ashley took the stage to greet attendees.
“Naniniwala po ako na mas marami pa po tayong [mashoshowcase] na local films at maipagmalaki ito internationally,” Esnyr said, encouraging audiences to continue to support Philippine cinema.
(I believe that we can showcase more local films that we can be proud of internationally.)
The next chapters
As the 2025 PFIM just wrapped up, Reyes said he’s excited about local cinema’s near future, noting that with two years left in his post, he has three core missions before ending his term.
The first is to continue supporting regional filmmaking, from Visayas, Mindanao, and even Filipinos around the world, telling their stories of diaspora.
“I believe as long as a film is made by a Filipino, regardless of where he is, it’s part of Philippine cinema,” he said.
Second would be to have more micro-cinemas in the country. He is hoping to establish three more before his term ends.
Lastly, Reyes said he looks to improve film education in the country. Beyond the filmmakers and the audience, he believes the future of Philippine cinema lies in the hands of film teachers as well.
So despite marking the end of PFIM 2025 celebration, the award-winning filmmaker sees a promising time ahead for Philippine cinema, as great efforts continue to be poured into the blossoming local film industry. – Rappler.com
Alyana Fabella is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Ateneo de Manila University.
