“It’s beneficial for both producers and filmmakers,” he explained. “For producers, it’s a gold mine of fresh and new stories; for filmmakers, it’s a chance to pitch your project to interested parties. Hindi kailangan ng contacts, ng kakilala sa industriya—sa pitches, if you’re selected, it doesn’t matter if you’re an established director or not—meron kang chance mapakinggan.”
This year is quite special as this is the first time that DGPI has partnered with the QCinema International Film Festival. Moreover, they had the most number of entries compared to previous years: 1,000 entries spanning various genres of short films, documentaries, series, animation and full-length feature films.Since pitches are becoming more common at film events, more local producers are interested to take part in it. The DGPI pitch has been spearheaded by filmmaker Rica Arevalo since 2011.
“It’s really a blind selection—we ask prominent DGPI directors to read the stories and budget proposal, then there’s a deliberation. Feasibility is also a factor. This year, the selection committee was composed of directors Joey Reyes, Erik Matti, Mac Alejandre, Ruel Bayani and Ellen Ramos,” Direk Paolo disclosed.
The finalists that made the cut this year include, Arjanmar Rebeta’s “Ang Alamat ng Pinya,” Robin Estargo’s “Ang Bagong Tugtugin ni Ash” , Ma. Anna Asuncion-Dagnalan’s “Blue Room,” Arnel Mardoquio’s “Clickers,” Paul Sta. Ana’s “Dalagita sa Likod ng Pawikan,” Carlo Enciso Catu’s “Labandera,” Bor Ocampo’s “Magiliw,” J.E.
Filipino audiences can expect a lot of good things from DGPI, whose board also includes Pepe Diokno, Ed Lejano, Carlitos Siguion Reyna, Joel Lamangan, Babyruth Villarama, Sari Dalena, Will Fredo and Rica Arevalo.”“Other than being active in film events like pitches, we’ve been partnering with film festivals for free film screenings for our members,” Direk Paolo added. “DGPI is also currently in negotiations with companies so we can provide our members free health insurance and HMO support.