As one of the main highlights of the Philippine Film Industry Month this month, the elevated International Film Industry Conference (IFIC) organized by the Film Development of Council (FDCP), has put together 11 free public sessions and seven masterclasses from September 16 to 19 featuring the heavyweights and leaders of the global film industry.

Since 2017 and previously known as FIC, IFIC has been conducting an annual conference consisting of a series of sessions and masterclasses that supports the development of Filipino filmmaking and its stakeholders by bringing together big names from the local and international film industries to become panelists and speakers.

It has since expanded to offer sessions and workshops that can also be availed by regional and international filmmakers and enthusiasts.

Last year, the first online Film Industry Conference (FIC) with over 2,000 attendees, had 16 local and international partners, eight online public sessions, six online masterclasses, and 32 local and international speakers.

IFIC 2021 opens with a keynote address from Asia-Pacific Region-Motion Picture Association, Communications Vice President Stephen Jenner

“As we expand the annual conference to IFIC along with the eventful celebration of the very first Philippine Film Industry Month, we also elevate the sessions and masterclasses by purposefully curating the lineup of topics and bringing in exceptional filmmakers and professionals in the industry. There’s so much going on right now in the international arena and through IFIC, we are brought together to know more about the direction and future of cinema,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

IFIC features speakers from various international programs including SEAFIC Lab and Torino Film Lab.

The 11 public sessions consist of a variety of relevant topics that will be valuable to aspiring filmmakers and film students.

The sessions include the topics: “Nurturing Your Narratives Through Film Labs,” “Essentials on Film Financing,” “Fundamentals of Dossier Making,” “Filming With the ASEAN Region: The Future of Film Funding and Grant Opportunities,” “Backstage Access: Bringing Philippine Animation to the World,” “Shaping the New Landscape of ASEAN Film Industry,” “Film Market Strategies and Trends,” “Preserving the Future with Film Archiving,” “Netflix: Bringing Filipino Stories to Audiences Everywhere,” “Behind the Scenes of International Distribution” and “Building Strategies Towards the Future of Film Exhibition.”

German-Romanian filmmaker Alexander Nanau will be a speaker for a masterclass on international co-productions for documentary films.

Providing more specific and practical knowledge recommended for film industry professionals and enthusiasts seeking to advance their careers in filmmaking, the seven masterclasses offered in the conference are “Writing Essentials: Creating Character-Driven Stories,” “Unveiling Success Behind Documentary Co-Production,” “To the Next Level: Fundamentals of Dossier Making,” “Packaging Your Films for Release,” “Finding the Right Tune for Your Film Pitch,” “Forging Paths for Wider Reach: A Guide to Film Marketing” and “Reality Check: Transformations in Film Distribution.”

The public sessions in IFIC Online 2021 feature topics such as “Accessibility Amidst Uncertainty: Essentials On Film Financing.”

The 5th edition of the IFIC will be composed of 11 Public Sessions for free via Zoom and will be streamed at FDCP Facebook and Youtube pages.

The seven Masterclasses via Zoom are open to the public for pre-registration, both local and international.