MANILA, Philippines - The Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) was founded by former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada in 1974 to provide welfare benefits for marginalized film workers in the areas of medical reimbursements, hospitalization, surgery, death and livelihood opportunities.
In 1979, Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI), Mowelfund’s education arm, was instituted to provide film education through courses in production, direction, scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, acting, production design and distribution. The MFI also conducted film appreciation programs consisting of screenings, festivals with lectures and demonstrations, and exhibits of film implements, equipment, costumes, props, publications and posters.
On May 4 to 30, the MFI conducts the annual summer intensive filmmaking workshop at the Mowelfund Plaza at 66 Rosario Drive corner Ilang-Ilang St., Cubao, Quezon City for 22 days, Mondays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuition rates (P20,000) include meals, handouts and equipment. Digital and 35mm filming will comprise hands-on sessions. Graduation ceremonies will be highlighted by screenings of films created by workshoppers.
Pioneers in managing the MFI were filmmakers Serf Reyes and Nick Deocampo. Presently, the MFI is headed by an oversight body composed of trustees and producers lawyer Espiridion Laxa, Marichu Vera Perez Maceda and director Boy Vinarao. Other members are National Artist for film Eddie Romero, composer Josefino Cenizal and concurrent executive director, Boots Anson-Roa.
For details, call 727-1961 or 727-1915 ext. 102/122.