While independent cinema that still has its center in the metro should be recognized in providing alternatives to mainstream films, it is also important to recognize other dimensions of independent filmmaking such as those found in the margins of the city.

As a part of Cinema in the Regions, one of the programs of the Cinema Committee of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts that highlights independent films produced in different regions as alternative cinema, Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Festival continues to promote Philippine cinema together with other regional film festivals all over the country.

Pelikultura has remained steadfast in its vision to provide a venue for Southern Tagalog region’s budding and experienced independent filmmakers to showcase their talents in digital filmmaking that tell stories from home and to develop a more critical festival audience.

For 11 years, Pelikultura has become a creative safe space and a platform for collaboration not just for Southern Tagalog filmmakers, but for other regional and international filmmakers, film scholars, and film enthusiasts as well. The festival has provided updated knowledge and skills in filmmaking and film criticism through screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and live conversations which are held all throughout the festival period.

With these various initiatives, Pelikultura aims to continue to encourage filmmakers from the region to continue their filmmaking endeavors and to collaborate with other filmmakers to further enrich the regional cinema. Moreover, Pelikultura also remains committed to raise audience awareness about a cinema culture that is distinct in the Southern Tagalog region.

This festival is organized by UPLB Pelikulab, the media arts division of Samasining under the Department of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

For more information about the festival, visit: Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/Pelikultura