The City Government of Bacolod is set to launch the much-anticipated 2nd Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) on November 27, 2025, marking a significant celebration of local cinematic talent. The festival will unfold across three key venues: SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and Cinematheque Centre Negros.
Elevating Local Stories to the Mainstream
Mayor Greg Gasataya has thrown his full support behind the event, underscoring the festival's powerful theme: "Panan-aw: Local Frames, Global Change." This theme is dedicated to amplifying narratives that are deeply rooted in the unique identity and real-life experiences of the Bacolodnon people.
Dr. Frances Mae Llamas, who leads the Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions, announced that a collection of eight locally produced short films will be screened for free on the opening day. Following the launch, the public can enjoy these films during a two-day screening period on November 28 and 29.
"We believe we have truly leveled up the Bacolod Film Festival this year," Dr. Llamas stated. "For the first time, we are providing our talented filmmakers with a platform to be mainstreamed in commercial cinemas." She emphasized that while film festivals are not new in the region, this initiative is groundbreaking in its effort to bring local works to a wider cinema audience and connect creators with established film producers.
Festival Lineup and Screening Details
The BFF is a collaborative effort between the City Government of Bacolod and the Negros Cultural Foundation (NCF), with additional backing from the Congressional Office of Bacolod City Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez. The festival also enjoys support from major institutional partners like the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and The Negros Museum.
The official selection of short films for the festival includes:
- Tonton – directed by Charlene Mead Tupas
- Truth & Dare – directed by Banjo Hinolan
- Tililing – directed by Dranreb Cimatu
- Balay Alibangbang – directed by Kyle Ramas
- Tuyaw – directed by Roland Chavez
- Sa Tunga Entablado – directed by Jiane Nicole Flores
- We Can Really Only Ever Be One – directed by David Reasol
- Bagong Bayan – directed by Kir Kizziah Hulleza
All films have received a Parental Guidance (PG) rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). For the regular screenings after the free opening, tickets will be priced at P200 and will be available at the ticket booths of the participating malls. The specific dates for ticket sales will be announced shortly.
A Hub for Film Discourse and Appreciation
The screening schedules are as follows: SM City Bacolod (Cinemas 1 and 4) and Ayala Malls Capitol Central (Cinemas 1 and 2) will host four screenings per day. Cinematheque Centre Negros
Beyond screenings, the Cinematheque will serve as the central venue for engaging discussions. The festival will host post-screening talkbacks with the filmmakers on November 27. This will be followed by the BFF Director's Forum on the morning of November 28 and Panan-aw Conversations in the afternoon, which will delve into film appreciation and the crucial role of regional film festivals in the Philippine cinema landscape.
