UPFI Academic Program

LINKAGES

The UPFI works with academic, cultural, professional and government institutions. The Institute has strong affiliations with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Film Development Foundation of the Philippines, Europe-based CILECT, USA-based Film and Video Association ,Japan Foundation, Kodak Worldwide Student Film Program, foreign embassies (Israeli, French, American, Spanish, British, German and Italian) and premier film and television outfits like Viva Films, Star Cinema, Regal Films, Unitel, Starlab, Cineforce, Roadrunner ABS-CBN, GMA-7, among many others.

The Institute also maintains contact with foreign academic institutions where members of the Film faculty pursued advance degrees or worked with visiting professors including New York University, University of Southern California, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, San Francisco Art Institute, New School University (formerly New School for Social Research), Moscow Film Institute, University of London, La Femis National Film School, School of Visual Arts, Film Video Arts and the Film and Video Academy in New York, the International Film and TV Workshops in Rockport, University of California-Los Angeles, Osaka University, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, Hallym University in South Korea, and the London School of Public Relations. Local academic linkages include Mowelfund Film Institute, Film Academy of the Philippines, Artfarm Asia (an animation school that specializes in 3D Studio Max), and Philippine Center for Creative Imaging.

In association with premier local and international institutions, the Institute has been hosting, co-founding or participating in a number of well-celebrated national and international events. One of these events is the annual Cinemalaya Film Congress on Independent Filmmaking which aims to recognize outstanding independent films and filmmakers as well as to encourage patronage for them. The Manila Film Festival is also under the support of UPFI’s faculty members.

There are also scholarly projects which are initiated by the Institute. For instance, the ASIAN FILM FORUM MANILA, attended by Film industry professionals and scholars from Asia and the Philippines, was held in 2003 as rendered by the faculty and staff. In addition, annual events consist of the International Women’s Film Festival, the Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival and several other flagship programs. Alongside festivals, the Institute continually conducts a series of symposia, discussion groups, and special screenings.