Film Academy PH builds global ties at Cannes 2026

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (May 2026) — The Film Academy of the Philippines joined the country’s delegation to the 79th Festival de Cannes and the Marché du Film last week, holding working meetings with international film agencies, award-giving bodies, and training institutions as part of its first year operating as a government agency.

Led by Director-General Paolo Villaluna, the Academy met with the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Kino Lorber, France’s Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC), the British Film Institute, and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority.

Discussions focused on awards campaigns, training opportunities, and guild support for Filipino film workers.

“This trip to Cannes is a necessary first introduction to the wider global film community,” Villaluna said. “Our job is to make sure local workers and filmmakers have stronger systems behind them, ensuring that we are at par with global standards.”

Kristine Kintana, head of the Academy’s Film Awards and Events Division, emphasized the need for long-term capacity to support Philippine films in major awards circuits, including the Oscars.

“Filipino films can hold their own in major awards races, and our job is to make sure they have the government’s support to do it,” she said.

The Academy also met with Kino Lorber chairman Richard Lorber, who discussed the North American distribution of Filipiñana, directed by Rafael Manuel, acquired after its Sundance 2026 premiere.

Talks with Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture explored a Southeast Asia-wide professional database of film and audio-visual workers, while meetings with Tatino Film Lab, Fest Film Lab, and the Location Managers Guild International focused on professional development for Filipino crews, stunt performers, and location managers.

The Academy co-hosted a mixer with QCinema International Film Festival at L’Atrium in Cannes and attended networking events organized by Thai, Indonesian, and Korean film delegations.

The Film Academy returns to Manila with new partnerships aimed at expanding training, international access, and support systems for Filipino film workers.