FDCP, SM Cinema Launch Cine Lokal

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently partnered with SM Cinema in its efforts to strengthen its commitment to support Philippine cinema as well as champion independent films.

Cine Lokal, a new cinema line which aims to house award-winning, independent films and FDCP programs in select SM Cinema branches across the country, will be launched this month.

FDCP Chair and CEO Liza Diño and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI) President Edgar Tejerero recently signed a three-year contract as they formalized the partnership at Cerchio in Tomas Morato.

Diño stressed that Cine Lokal’s goal is two-fold: to provide independent filmmakers with a commercial venue for their films, thereby strengthening their experience and training on film marketing and distribution, and to create a culture of support and viewership among Filipinos nationwide.

FDCP and SM Cinema have signified their commitment to work together from booking, licensing, up to marketing of the films to be shown in Cine Lokal branches to ensure the success of their venture.

“Independent films mirror our society’s milieu in the most meaningful and affective of ways and we are grateful to SM Cinema for this great opportunity for us to bring more choices of these films closer to our people,” Diño added.

Meanwhile, Tejerero said that Cine Lokal affirms their support for the Philippine film industry which includes independent film producers. “With the help of FDCP, we have an opportunity to expand our content and invite a new set of audience. Cine Lokal brings SM Cinema closer to its goal of becoming not only the largest, but the most diverse film exhibitor in the country,” he stressed.

The eight dedicated SM Cinemas chosen to show FDCP-curated films throughout the duration of the partnership are SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Cebu, SM Bacoor and SM Mall of Asia.

Movie lovers and independent film enthusiasts alike can expect an exciting roster of award-winning, independent films at Cine Lokal. Among the films initially scheduled to be shown as part of its "Salve Pelikula" program are “Himala” (Ishmael Bernal), “Iadya Mo Kami” (Mel Chionglo), “Of Sinners and Saints” (Ruben Soriquez) and Academy Awards 2015 Best Picture winner “Spotlight.”