Bacolod: 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, scheduled to take place from November 27 to 29. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the City Mayor's Office on Monday, where the grantees were introduced.
According to Philippines News Agency, the third edition of the festival, themed 'Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future,' will feature films including '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 reaffirmed the city government's full support for the film festival and the city's creative sector, highlighting the role of 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 stated.
BFF 2026 festival director Tanya Lopez emphasized that the grant represents the city government's financial support to the filmmakers during their shoots, which are primarily set within the city. The aim is 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 disbursed in two installments, with filmmakers also participating in script consultations, workshops, and production mentoring organized by the festival. Each short film, running 15 to 20 minutes, must incorporate three to five recognizable heritage elements of Bacolod, such as its people, communities, historical landmarks, traditions, festivals, food culture, and other cultural assets.
In 2024, the City Council passed City Ordinance 1061, known as 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.
