DAVAO CITY (PIA)—The Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival, a Davao City-based annual event celebrating Asian supernatural cinema, has secured funding support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Malikhaing Pinoy program.
Ngilngig, which translates to “fantastic” or “horrifying” in the Bisayan language, showcases films from across Asia and the Philippines that explore themes of horror, fantasy, myths, and folktales. After a year-long hiatus, the festival returns this year with a diverse lineup of 23 films from Asian countries and 34 films from the Philippines.
“Ngilngig is a celebration of Asian stories found in our rich oral and written traditions, urban legends, myths, folktales, and superstitions,” Ngilngig festival director Bagane Fiola explained.
This year marks the first time the festival will be working with the DTI. Previously, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) provided support. The DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy (Creative Philippines) program, part of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA), aims to nurture and promote creative industries, including filmmaking.
The DTI’s support is a significant boost for Ngilngig, allowing the festival to continue showcasing the diverse and captivating world of Asian supernatural cinema.
DTI-XI Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Arriel Nengasca said that DTI is supporting the Ngilngig film festival organizers known as Pasalidahay in the capital development training and their film screenings.
“We believe in the creativity of Dabawenyos and the potential of our students to be the next Erik Matti or Yam Laranas,” Nengasca said, citing that Davao is home to a vibrant filmmaking movement.
He said during the prior meeting, they asked Fiola and the organizers to submit a proposal to the DTI. “Any proposal related to the creative industries, especially under the nine domains, is welcome,” he said.
The nine domains enumerated under the PCIDA are audiovisual media, digital interactive media, performing arts, design, creative services, publishing and print media, visual arts, traditional cultural expressions, and cultural sites.
“This year DTI Davao Region was able to access P3 million under the fiesta haraya as assistance to the creative industries,” Nengasca added.
The Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival 2024 will be held from October 26 to October 30 in different venues in Davao City. (PIA/RGA)
