Are you ready to make your three-minute film?

MANILA, Philippines - Three minutes is all it takes to make a movie that will all the more highlight the creativity of Filipino filmmakers.

In its bid to promote and support the development and growth of the Philippine film industry, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recently launched the 180 Microcinema Festival, a nationwide on-line film competition.

FDCP chairman Rolando “Jacky” Atienza urged filmmakers to “spin the system” with 180-second or three-minute cinema experiences that embrace unique and unorthodox approaches to filmmaking. 

Participants are expected to submit their 180-second entries in H.264 format and cannot be larger than 200MB compressed on or before Aug. 26. On-line voting begins on Aug. 31.

“This is the perfect synergy of film and the Internet where the popular culture and the pulse of filmmakers will be felt and addressed,” Atienza said.

The “180” will be the spawning ground of more original and forward-thinking artists who will revitalize the Philippine film industry.

Vinci Nakpil Roxas, FDCP’s resident computer wiz and youthful project manager of 180 Microcinema, shared, “The idea for 180 Microfilm fest was sparked by the realization that FDCP must be more Internet involved.” He also explained that people’s attention span these days is shorter.

“To catapult Filipino cinema in the minds of everyone, making short films is the most convenient form. FDCP is looking for talent. If you have got a good story, you must share it in three minutes,” added Digna Santiago, executive director of FDCP’s Philippine Film Export Service Office. She added Filipinos worldwide, who are 18 years old and above, can join the contest.

Participating filmmakers must send FDCP a link to the upload-compressed file via Sendspace, Yousendit or other large-sending sites to [email protected].

Participants can opt to join in three categories namely narrative, experimental and documentary. They can send as many entries.

Winners will be chosen through on-line user votes and a jury panel headed by Jeremy Segay of Cannes Film Fortnight and Paris Cinema. Jury selection winners will receive P30,000 each, while first, second and third place winners from each category will receive P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000 respectively. 

The jury selection and first place winners will have an opportunity to pitch for a film development deal with Regal Entertainment.

(Entry forms and competition rules are available at www.180cinema.net or call FDCP at 634-6984 for details.)