24 chosen finalists in Montanosa film fest

By Janthrize Andanan

BAGUIO CITY -- Eighty-seven locally-made films by local filmmakers were submitted to the Montañosa Film Festival 2023.
    Out of 87 submissions, 24 were chosen as finalists for the three categories namely: documentary, narrative and mobile film.
    This was the third staging of the event with the theme "Divergence + Convergence" aligned with the city government's vision of interwoven creative and tourism sector to maintain Baguio as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art. 
    In support to the activity, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong issued executive order 24, series of 2023 declaring the whole month of March as Montañosa Film Festival 2023 in Baguio.
    Cinema Rehiyon @ Montañosa Film Festival is a nine-day event from March 25 to April 2, 2023 showcasing selected short and full-length films by local filmmakers. 
    The month-long Montañosa Film Festival was launched March 1 at SM City Baguio, Sky Garden. 
    The festival and opening gala will start March 25 at the SM City Baguio followed by the Montañosa Filmmakers Homecoming, open forum as well as  launching of Cinema Rehiyon Best of the Regions on March 27.
    There would also be film talks, mentoring and workshop for the filmmakers scheduled on March 29 - March 31, 2023.
    Outdoor film screenings are also scheduled from March 29 to 31 at the Malcolm Square People's Park with Sinemusikain (film, food, music fair) at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.
    There are also other events such as outreach program, school caravan, workshop, and other programs in partnership with the Cultural Center of The Philippines, Vivistop Baguio, and the Cordillera School of Digital Arts that will be launched alongside the celebration. –