| In celebration of the World Audiovisual Day annually organized by UNESCO on 27 October, the Philippines will launch the National Film Literacy Program that seeks to introduce to the public especially the educational community, the importance of film literacy to appreciate the country's AV heritage.
A national program undertaken by the Mowelfund Film Institute in partnership with SEAPAVAA and UNESCO's Memory of the World Program, the film literacy project brings to schools film programs that not merely allows films to be screened but engages the student audiences in knowledge building.
It is the aim of the Film Literacy Program to transform the otherwise commercial film industry from an entertainment industry into a knowledge industry. This will be done by programming in schools films that have relevance in the study of history, humanities, values formation, social sciences, and many more.
A brainchild of MFI Director Nick Deocampo, himself a filmmaker and film historian, the program has travelled far and wide in the country bringing productive results in places of learning. From Baguio in the north to South Cotabato in the south, passing by the other regions in Bicol and the Visayas, the film literacy program has been endorsed by academic institutions and has benefited countless students.
This year, with more support as the program is adopted by SEAPAVAA and UNESCO, the film literacy program takes on the theme of "Film and History" in commemoration of the twin-celebration of the births of cinema in 1897 and of the Filipino nation in 1898. Both celebrate 110 years when motion pictures were first shown in Manila and the cry for independence was waged that led to the formation of the present-day Filipino nation.
To be shown will be films where history may be seen and known. Philippine cinema is rich in films that depict historical events. Eddie Romero's Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? (see article on page 8), showing the birth of the Philippine nation, is only one among several that will be of immense value to students. Similarly, film classics like Jose Rizal, Bayaning Third World, and even documentaries and short films can be used to foster knowledge from film viewing.
Today's new world where motion pictures rule, and students hardly read their books, fostering film literacy among the public especially among students is an innovative and novel way to build knowledge among young people while giving them the entertainment they want.
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