Inaugural Philippine National Cinema Day to take place on Sept. 12

The Philippine film industry is set to come together for the inaugural Philippine National Cinema Day on September 12!

At its official launch on August 25, SM Prime Holdings Senior Assistant Vice President Karen Zabalajauregui said the Philippine National Cinema Day will showcase a wide selection of films, including local and international titles, animated movies, and other cinematic offerings.

Cinemas across the country will participate in the nationwide celebration on September 12.

The official launch was led by Zabaljauregui, alongside key figures from the local film industry like Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman Jose “Joey” Javier Reyes, TV producer Wilma Galvante, Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna, QC Film Commission Director Ed Lejano, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Chairman Romando S. Artes, Press Play Philippines Managing Director Nicole Castillo-Deato, Regal Entertainment head Roselle Monteverde, and Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) president Irene S. Jose.

In his speech, Reyes reminded Filipinos that watching movies is not merely a form of entertainment but more importantly, a communal experience.

“First and foremost, this is an opportunity to remind our people of the importance of film as a community activity,” Reyes said in Filipino.

He noted how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way audiences consume films, with many becoming accustomed to watching movies at home through their phones, computers, and televisions.

“We have forgotten that films were made to bring different people together and allow them to share an experience,” the acclaimed filmmaker said.

Reyes emphasized the importance of bringing together local producers and foreign distributors, saying both local and international films are part of the broader cinema industry.

“We may compete for audiences, but at the end of the day, what matters is that we stand together,” he said.

Other details such as the movie titles, participating cinemas, and ticketing prices will be announced in the upcoming days. — LA, GMA News