Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Solar Entertainment President and CEO Wilson Tieng (second from right) hold up the copy of the agreement they signed. Also in photo are (from left) Secretary to the Mayor Marlon Lacson, Vice Mayor Yul Servo and Director Brillante Mendoza. (Photo: Jerry S. Tan)
MANILA (PIA) — The Sinag Maynila Film Festival is set to return for its sixth edition this year, following a memorandum of agreement signed between the Manila City government and Solar Entertainment. The weeklong festival, which will showcase local films, is scheduled to take place from September 4 to 8, 2024, in selected theaters across Manila.
The signing ceremony, held at City Hall, was attended by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, Secretary to the Mayor Marlon Lacson, Solar Entertainment President and CEO Wilson Tieng, Director Brillante Mendoza, Fifth District Congressman Irwin Tieng, and Manila Tourism Chief Charlie Dungo.
Mayor Lacuna-Pangan emphasized the city’s commitment to supporting the independent film festival, which carries the theme “Sine Lokal, Pang-International.” She highlighted the importance of reviving the local film industry, which suffered setbacks during the pandemic.
“The local government of Manila is providing the local film industry the needed boost to revive the status that it had before the pandemic,” Mayor Lacuna-Pangan stated.
Manila Tourism Chief Dungo noted that the agreement signing coincides with the city’s celebration of tourism month, further underscoring the city’s dedication to promoting cultural and artistic initiatives.
Wilson Tieng announced that submissions for film entries are open until July 24. To encourage wider audience participation, admission fees for the festival screenings will be lowered to P200.
“This festival is a great opportunity for local filmmakers to showcase their talent and for the public to support Philippine cinema,” Tieng said.
The Sinag Maynila Film Festival aims to bring local films to an international audience, reflecting its theme and commitment to promoting Filipino talent globally.
For more information about the festival and submission guidelines, please visit the official website of Sinag Maynila. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
