The Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Filipino Screenwriters Guild recently conducted a five-day intensive Screenwriting Workshop in Malolos in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bulacan and its Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office.

FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes opened the workshop with a video message, hoping to transform raw ideas into compelling scripts under the guidance of industry professionals.

PHACTO OIC Head May Arlene Torres welcomed the mentors from FSG, the organizers from FDCP, and the 20 participants from Bulacan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Iloilo, and Davao.

The program offered a deep dive into the craft of screenwriting through a series of lectures, film viewings, script analysis, and open forums. The mentors from FSG included Wanggo Gallaga, Noreen Capili, Paul Sta. Ana, and Jules Katanyag, all respected writers in the film industry.

The first day focused on the fundamentals of scriptwriting and visual storytelling, with impactful lectures conducted by the mentors. Participants also presented their submitted scripts, fostering collaboration and creative exchange through valuable feedback from mentors and peers.

The second day delved into the essentials of scene building, genre, and tone, which significantly enriched the participants’ learning experience.

The workshop culminated at the Mariano Ponce Hall, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, where participants received certificates and engaged in a panel discussion with their mentors.

Roella Frias, Executive Assistant II from the Office of the Governor of Bulacan, delivered the closing remarks, expressing the province’s gratitude for the event. A surprise video greeting from National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee further inspired the participants.

Mentors and participants alike shared positive feedback about the experience.

“Creatives are craving connection with other Filipino creatives, and there is a dearth of spaces where this magic could happen. I’m thankful that FDCP and FSG are providing platforms where storytellers could connect to talk about Filipino storytelling and build stories together to rediscover the narratives that make us who we are,” Katanyag, who also directs films, imparted.

Sta. Ana, who also produces and helms films like Katanyag, served as a mentor at the screenwriting workshop for the second time. “What stood out to me most – beyond the mentees’ eagerness and positive attitude – was the deep sense of rapport and friendship they developed with one another throughout the workshop. It was moving to witness how they supported each other’s growth while showing genuine curiosity and commitment to the craft,” he revealed.

Melvin Waje Reyes, one of the participants, described the workshop as “a sprinkle of fairy dust” that sparked new ideas and perspectives. “Meeting new people, sitting next to them, and listening as they share their stories – the ones that echo their personal journeys and the things closest to their hearts – is such a unique and meaningful experience,” he shared.

Kim Timan, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Film from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in 2017, realized that learning really never stops. “The workshop was such an insightful and humbling experience. We were a hodgepodge of people from different ages, cultural backgrounds, and skill levels – but we all had something to bring to the table,” she concluded.