SEVEN Bisaya films were screened during the launching of Binisaya film festival and caravan at Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds last Wednesday, August 16.
All are award-winning films: “Katapusang Labok” (2012), “Ale Alejandra” (2015), “Ambihas” (2016), “Hinagunoy sa Goryon” (2016), “Mga Damgo, Ang Bitoon ug ang Barungoy,” and “Memorya.” Joselito “Boboi” Costas, head of Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, said they want to develop the Cebuano film audience.
“Cebuano cinema promotes the island of Cebu as film destination for its location, skilled workers, filmmaking culture, and unique cinematic sensibility,” Costas said.
A two-hour film screening, organized by Binisaya Movement Inc., and the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, was conducted at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds.
Writer and director Maryam Fatima “Ara” A. Chawdhury said there is still a huge gap between cinema as an artwork and the local audience. “Call us ambitious, we want Cebuanos to experience a world class cinema created right in their backyard.
The VisMin market is under served,” she said. The launching also served as an opening salvo for a planned caravan which will be brought to selected cities and towns in Cebu, like Carcar City, Danao City, Argao, Boljoon, Samboan, Aloguinsan, Tuburan, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Borbon, and Liloan.
“We also want to promote Cebu, especially Ruben and Janet (Nepales) are here who have connections in Hollywood,” Costas added.
The Hollywood power couple, Ruben and Janet Nepales are award-winning journalists who are both members of Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
They graced the Binisaya Film Festival launch after visiting southern Cebu, including the towns of Oslob, Moalboal and Samboan.
