DALAN 2009 - 1st Bicol Film Festival
Rex Eric Perez
AB Journalism-2

Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) celebrated DALAN 2009 - the 1st Bicol Film Festival at the Fr. Arrupe, S.J. Convention Hall last January 29-31, 2009. AdNU 's Department of Media Studies, Department of Digital Arts and Computer Animation, and Department of Literature and Language Studies, with the help of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (ACCA), banded together to organize this event which aims to appreciate the history and creativity of our local film industry and to help young filmmakers in improving their craft. DALAN 2009 featured lectures, viewing sessions, and an exhibit.

The lectures gave critical insights on the industry, highlighted famous icons, provided creative story ideas, and shared useful production tips. The speakers were Nick de Ocampo (Developing a National Film Literacy Program : the Bikol Perspective), Howie Severino (Making Documentaries), Tito Valiente (Bicolano Images for Film), Patrick Flores (Forum Peninsula to National Cinema: Nora Aunor and the film artists of Bicol), Kristian Cordero (Bicol Story Ideas for Film), Adonis Rugeria (Language of Film), Miguel Rapatan  (Film Appreciation), Jesse Lasaten and Robert Quilao (Animated Feature Film Production and the Role of Bicolano Animators), and Fr. Danilo Isidro, S.J. (Animation Education and the Emergence of a Bicolano Animation Industry).

The exhibit, held at the ground floor of AdNU’s Fr. James O’Brien, S. J. Library, showcased  memorabilia and portraits of famous film icons. There were also viewing sessions which screened  various contest entries by local talents.

Kapit emerged as the winner of the festival and will represent Bicol in the upcoming NCCA’s Cinema Rehiyon: Alter Nativo (Films from the Other Philippines) which will be held on February 18-21, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines's Dream Theater.