27/08/2026
BUILDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS FOR PHILIPPINES AT MIFF 2026
From August 19-22, 2026, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) joined the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) for meetings, screenings, and conversations on strengthening the film industry and creating opportunities for Filipino stories abroad.
Here are the highlights of the Philippine participation at MIFF 2026:
โข Courtesy call with Consul General Jesus R.S. Domingo and Consul Ralph Vincent C. Abarquez at the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne to discuss the current landscape and initiatives of the local filmmaking sector. Both parties also reviewed possible programs and events for collaboration.
โข Met with VicScreen Head of Content Investment Samantha Dinning to share insights on the film market and local incentives, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas and best practices.
โข Sat down with MIFF CEO Damien Hodgkinson, Filipino filmmakers, Australian producers, and other industry stakeholders, engaging in exchanges on culture, perspectives, and cross-border opportunities.
โข Filipino film โFilipiรฑanaโ by Rafael Manuel and co-produced film (by Nathan Studios) โNagi Notesโ were screened at MIFF under the Asia Pacific program strand.
โข Held a meeting with Filipino filmmakers in Melbourne to examine the local industry landscape, strengthen the agencyโs support, and understand creativesโ perspectives vis-a-vis tapping Filipino diaspora for technology and knowledge transfer
โข Restored version of โTinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulangโ (Weighed But Found Wanting) by National Artist Lino Brocka was also screened at MIFF, drawing a full house and strengthening the PHโs presence on the global stage. In attendance was James J. Robinson, director of the Philippine co-produced film โFirst Light.โ
The Philippine participation at MIFF 2026 closes with stronger connections, new opportunities and continued momentum for Philippine cinema.