PFIM 2025 Opens With Nora-Vilma Classic, Honors Women Who Shaped PHL Cinema

In its celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month this September, the Film Development Council of the Philippines is spotlighting women icons of Filipino cinema, past and present, including five trailblazers whose work has helped shape and sustain the industry. The special recognition will take place during the gala night on Sept. 11 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City. "The FDCP will honor five Filipino women whom we believe are very essential to understanding Philippine cinema today," said FDCP chair Jose "Joey" Javier Reyes at a media gathering ahead of the festivities that carry the theme Pelikula at Pilipina.

- By Nathalie Tomada

The honorees are production designer and screenwriter Raquel Villavicencio; cinematographer and teacher Lee Briones-Meily; actress, director and mentor Gina Alajar; filmmaker Olivia Lamasan; and Malou Santos, the former head of Star Cinema.

Tribute screenings highlighting their contributions will take place at SM North EDSA, as well as FDCP Cinematheque Centers across the regions.

These include "Tanging Yaman" (2000) with cinematography by Briones-Meily; "Hihintayin Kita sa Langit" (1991) with screenplay by Villavicencio; "Moral" (1982), starring Alajar; "Madrasta" (1996), directed by Lamasan; and "Anak" (2000), produced by Santos.

In recognizing these five women, the FDCP celebrates their achievements and invaluable role in the direction that Philippine cinema or pop culture is taking today.