Japanese and Filipino films will take the spotlight in Iloilo City this August as the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and The Japan Foundation – Manila bring places, pieces, a regional film program exploring the relationship between place, memory, and identity.

The three-day event, set for Aug. 28 to 30 at Festive Walk Cinemas, is the Philippine presentation of a regional curatorial project developed through The Japan Foundation’s First Draft Programming Workshop, which brings together emerging film programmers from across Asia. The project was first conceived during the workshop’s 2025 edition in Tokyo.

Iloilo filmmaker and producer Jo Andrew Torlao, who represented the Philippines in The Japan Foundation’s First Draft Programming Workshop in Tokyo in 2025, curated the Philippine presentation of places, pieces.

The program, he shared, was shaped by his own experiences of leaving Iloilo and eventually returning, reflecting how places influence people’s memories, relationships, and sense of identity.

“Places shape us, and in return, we shape them,” Torlao said. “Through cinema, I hope this program reminds us of the people, communities, and stories that deserve to be remembered.”

The festival will screen the Japanese feature films Brand New Landscape, Yamato (California), and Uruyasu Fish Market, alongside the Filipino feature Republika ng Pipolipinas.

Also included is PALAYO/PALAPIT, a collection of five short films from Western Visayas: Dandansoy, Hasang, Golden Bells, A Catholic School Girl, and Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Baras.

Beyond the screenings, the program will feature workshops and discussions on filmmaking, producing, and film programming.

FDCP Chairman and director Jose Javier Reyes will lead a film workshop, while producer Patti Lapus will facilitate a producing workshop.

Torlao will also join Makiko Wakai of the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival for a session on film programming.

Ahead of the main program, Cinematheque Centre Iloilo will hold special screenings of Yanggaw on Aug. 25 and Wanted: Border on Aug. 26.

Festive Walk Cinemas will also commemorate Iloilo City Charter Day on Aug. 25 with a screening of Ginauhaw Ako, Ginagutom Ako, recognized as the first Ilonggo feature film.

The program is presented by the FDCP and The Japan Foundation, Manila, with support from Megaworld Cinemas, Festive Walk Cinemas Iloilo, Department of Tourism Region VI, and the Iloilo City Government.Jeanne Rose Sazon, WVSU-COC intern/IMT