History of Philippine Cinema

Ø  We were able to go back in time and have a sneak peak of what the Philippine Cinema had and has to offer from then and up to now. The documentary shown in our Cinema101 class started from whom invented kinetograph, Thomas Alba Edison and his invention’s development.

1893

            The world’s first studio and laboratory in New Jersey was established

1895

            In  Paris, France, Louis and August Lumiere invented cinematograph responsible for mass viewing of films.

1897

            First film using Lumiere cinematograph was shown.

Ø  Antonio Ramos, a Spanish military man filmed in the Philippines; Panorama de Manila, Fiesta de Quiapo, Puente de Espana and Ecsenas Callejeras. He is also the first motion picture producer in the Philippines.

1909

            Rose of the Philippines was the first story and full length film shown in the Philippines.

1912

            `Board of Censors for cinematographic films was established.

1920’s

            First Golden Age of Filipino Cinema

1929

            Board of censors for moving pictures was established.

Ø  Cine Walgrah owned by Walgrah was the first movie house.

Ø  Dalagang Bukid by Jose Nepomuceno was the first full length Filipino film.

1930’s

Ø  Julian Manansala was the father of Nationalistic films

1939

Ø  LVN Productions was established.

1940-1946

            More than 50 films per year was made during these years

1950’s

            Films became more artistic and economic in a sense that it made money and grew into big business via an institutionalized studio system.

Ø  BIG THREE in Philippine Cinema

LVN Productions

Sampaguita Pictures

Premier Productions

1960’s

Ø  5 Independent Movie Companies

RTG

Everlasting Pictures

Tamaraw Studios

Hollywood FarEast

Balatbat Productions

1970’s-1980

            The Hay Days of Philippine Cinema

Mid 80’s-90

            Local films gained profit more than foreign films

  Millennium new comers

Star Cinema of ABS-CBN 2

GMA Films of GMA7

1996-1999

            164 films a year

2000-2003

            82 films a year

2004

            Only 52 films were produced

           

           

Mowelfund Plaza Tour

As a part of the curriculum of our Cinema100 class, we were tasked to go on an educational tour at Mowelfund Plaza in Quezon City. MOWELFUND, according to its official website mowelfund.com stands for MOVIE WORKERS WELFARE FOUNDATION, INC., a non-stock, non-profit social welfare, educational, and industry development foundation organized and established in 1974. It was founded by then San Juan Mayor and President of the Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association (PMPPA) Joseph E. Estrada for the welfare of workers in the Philippine motion picture industry.

The tour went well and it was more than what we expected. Luckily, we even got the chance to see Mowelfund’s ambassadress Mrs. Boots Anson Roa who had a quick talk about the life behind films and how it evolved to what it is at present.  We were all enlightened with what she talked about because we all know for a fact that she is a very experienced and effective actress before and even until now, she still shares to the media industry what she has and has been known for.

After Mrs. Roa’s talk, we were allowed to enter the museum without any companion, we had and enjoyed the whole museum to ourselves. We read on the history of film and even played with some of the actual props used in the production years ago. Moreover, costume, gowns and tuxedos worn on special occasions and award nights were also in the museum all in good condition and good as new. Some equipments like old school video cameras of different sizes and capabilities were also preserved in the museum.

Having a tour at Mowelfund tour was like having a tour back in the golden days of Philippine cinema. Given the opportunity to visit such beautiful museum, also gave us the privilege to witness how pure, artistic and rich our country really is when it comes its history in films. Mowelfund obviously continues to provide every visitor an experience worth keeping and remembering.

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