Four short films that will be screened at the Directors’ Fortnight of the Cannes International Film Festival are now being shot in Dapitan City in Zamboanga.
“Dapitan City goes to Cannes, France!” the local government said in a post on Facebook.
“Dapitan City’s unique, exhilarating views and the rich cultural and historical heritage will soon be featured not only in the local scene but are set to illuminate in the international realm of cinema.”
Two of the four short films have already finished shooting, one is still ongoing while the fourth has yet to begin.
The Directors’ Fortnight is considered by many as the edgier film venue as it premieres indie feature films, short films, and documentary films.
The four short films are being shot with the mentoring of Lav Diaz under the 2024 Directors’ Factory and its producer, French director and film curator Dominique Welinski.
The four directorial tandems are as follows: Eve Baswel (Philippines) and Gogularaajan Rajendran (Malaysia); Maria Estela Paiso (Philippines) and Ashok Vish (India); Arvin Belarmino (Philippines) and Lomorpich Rithy (Cambodia): and Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan (Philippines) and Siyou Tan (Singapore).
All were handpicked by Welinski herself.
Dapitan City Major Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos said he has always been supportive of the arts.
“We do whatever we can to promote Dapitan,” he said.
As to why the projects ended up in Dapitan is due to Bianca Balbuena, general manager of Anima Studios and Epicmedia Productions CEO Bradley Liew, a long-time protégé of Welinski who also happens to know Svetlana “Lana” Jalosjos, the president of Dakak Properties.
On Dakak’s involvement in this project, resort owner and former Zamboanga del Norte 1st District Congressman Romeo Jalosjos Sr. said: “It’s about time that Dapitan levels up. Barely two years ago, we went national by hosting Cinemalaya 2022. This year we go international and go for Cannes. It’s time for Dapitan to shine.”
“Bullet” Jalosjos said that he has always been supportive of the arts and sports, and that by supporting big events such as this, the city, in fact, gets massive publicity for its tourism campaign.
“We do whatever we can to promote Dapitan,” he said.
“In fact, we have another big thing coming up. Come June, on the occasion of Rizal’s birthday, we will be hosting the 1st National Invitational Rizal Arnis Challenge,” the mayor added.