It was in 2016 when then newly-appointed Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño attended the Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX) and met with the community’s filmmakers which led to the planning and construction of the first Cinematheque in Compostela Valley.
Two years later, FDCP officially opened its doors as Cinematheque Centre Nabunturan just in time for the 2018 edition of NABIFILMEX. All screenings were jam-packed with students from the town up to its awarding night attended by Jeovy G. Mandin, Romeo B. Clarin Jr., Marietis T. Balatico and Vice Mayor Rodel G. Balili of the Municipality of Nabunturan.
The Cinematheque had its ground breaking in November 2017 and in less than a year, the 100-seater alternative cinema hub had its soft opening with the town’s excited audience with its first ever film screening graced by NCCA Commissioner for the Arts/Head Teddy Co, Paolo Paraiso, Max Eigenmann, Ed Cabagnot, director Arbi Barbarona, NABIFILMEX Festival Director Atty. Karen Santiago-Malaki, Asst. Festival Director Mindanao Film Festival Ivan Tadena with Distribution and FDCP Officials FDCP Executive Director Wilfredo Manalang, Distribution and Exhibition Lead Officer Popoy Guillermo and Cinematheque Centre Officer Jamir Mallari.
“This is one of the dreams that finally materialized for the town of Compostela Valley. We are bringing the films to the people, for creative development, for awareness and even just to share stories and we are hoping to inspire more future Nabunturan filmmakers through the many programs of FDCP and the Cinematheque Nabunturan,” said Liza Diño.
Cinematheque Centre Nabunturan is located at Layug Avenue, Purok 13 beside SPED, Central Elementary School. It will be in full operation in October. For more details, check out the Cinematheque Centre Nabunturan’s official Facebook page.