The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on third and final reading the creation of the Bacolod Film Festival, which will give P300,000 per filmmaker joining the competition slated late this year.
The SP approved the ordinance creating the Bacolod Film Festival authored by Councilor Em Ang together with Councilors Celia Flor and Cindy Rojas during its regular session on Wednesday, February 14.
The ordinance aims to develop the film production scene in Bacolod City where locally-made films are shown in major cinemas in the city.
It also aims to promote the local film industry, provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, and enhance cultural appreciation.
The ordinance also mandated the creation of the Bacolod City Film Festival Council headed by the mayor and the SP Committee Chairperson on History, and Culture as the vice chair.
And told DIGICAST NEGROS she is thankful to the councilors and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran for the swift passage of the ordinance.
“This is a timely and relevant measure as there is now a genuine interest from the national government to prioritize the growth and development of the creative industries sector that returns significant economic benefits, large numbers of jobs, and high cultural and social returns to the community,” she said.
Ang also said that through the ordinance, the city government can promote the development of the local film industry, provide a venue for showcasing artistic talents, and enhance cultural appreciation among Bacolodnons.
“I look forward to the implementation of the ordinance, with the strong support of our council members who share Mayor Albee’s vision of a livable, competitive and inclusive super city”, she added.*