Cinemalaya to remove ‘New Breed’ category in 2015

Cinemalaya, which has been a springboard for up-and-coming filmmakers and their careers, is planning to remove the "New Breed" category in 2015, according to a report from an online film site. 

 

An article on Film Business Asia published on November 26 stated that Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) vice president and artistic director Chris Millado said that the independent film festival may focus on veteran directors next year.  

 

There are two main categories at Cinemalaya: the New Breed and Directors' Showcase. But Millado, who is also the festival director of Cinemalaya, said at a forum at the Hanoi International Film Festival (HANIFF) this week and revealed that the New Breed category may be replaced with a new "international dimension." 

 

But the festival director said the New Breed category will be back in 2016. 

 

Cinemalaya in QC? 

 

The article also said that Millado insisted that Cinemalaya will remain at the CCP next year despite reports saying that Quezon City may host or become one of the partners of the independent film festival next year.  

 

An article on PEP.ph quoted Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, "There’s initial word already, Mr. Antonio Cojuangco [Cinemalaya Foundation Chairman] wrote the office of the mayor already… Cinemalaya will be hosted by Quezon City next year."

 

Millado said that the Bautista's announcement regarding the possible partnership with Cinemalaya was "premature." 

 

Distribution challenge

 

Last August, Cinemalaya faced a controversy a night before the festival's awarding ceremonies when the filmmakers found out that their works had been uploaded on YouTube without their consent.  

 

At HANIFF, the article also said that Millado expressed to solve the "distribution challenge, which must include online platforms, even if that is something that may meet resistance from local directors." 

 

GMA News Online reached out to the CCP, but Millado was unavailable for comment as of press time. — Trisha Macas/VC, GMA News