MANILA -- Reflecting on a gilded past while looking toward a bright future, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is officially marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema with this year's Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM).
Carrying the theme "Pelikula: Ginintuang Ikalawa," PFIM 2026 pays homage to the era that shaped modern Philippine cinema as we know it today — the era of National Artists Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, and Eddie Romero, and their contemporaries Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara, Mario O'Hara, and Mike De Leon, whose works from the mid-'70s to the late-'80s remain formidable masterclasses in craft and conscience.
Joey Reyes, FDCP chair and CEO
Marking its highly anticipated opening, PFIM 2026 will officially kick off with the 4K digitally-restored screening of Brocka's monumental classic "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang" (1974) on September 4 at the Red Carpet Cinema of Shangri-La Plaza. The ceremony will also host a major industry moment — the announcement of the country's official entry to the 99th Academy Awards, courtesy of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).
In keeping with this year's throwback theme, the FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide will mount a curated selection of Second Golden Age pillars, including "Itim" (1976), "Insiang" (1976), "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" (1976), "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo" (1976), "Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976)" and "Nunal sa Tubig" (1976).
The FDCP is also tracing our roots even further back with "SineUna: Cinematic Action Before the War," a rare showcase of pre-World War II heritage titles including "Zamboanga" (1937), "Giliw Ko" (1939), "Tunay na Ina" (1939), "Pakiusap" (1940), and "Ibong Adarna" (1941) — all made accessible through the FDCP's steadfast archiving, preservation, and restoration efforts.
FDCP Cinamatheque Logo
Anchored by screenings and talkbacks, this year's celebration blends legacy with discovery. The monthly Reel to Real: Pelikula at Panayam spotlights Brocka's "Jaguar" (1979) on September 9, while the Director's Series turns its lens on Jeffrey Jeturian with "Tuhog" (2001) and "Kubrador" (2006).
A slate of collab screenings, including the newly restored "Sister Stella L.” (1984) at the Metropolitan Theater on September 20, and the brand-new PFIM Short Film Competition and the 9th edition of Sine Kabataan, aim to nurture the next wave of creative voices.
Inside FDCP's Cinematheque
PFIM 2026 closes with a festive tribute on September 30 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City — honoring Lifetime Achievement honorees Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Vic Del Rosario, Hilda Koronel, and the late Tito Genova Valiente, among others, and celebrating Quezon City's new designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Film.
PFIM 2026 runs throughout September across FDCP Cinematheque Centres nationwide.