QC STARTS SELECTION PROCESS FOR MOST GENDER SENSITIVE FILM

The search is on for the entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) that will be adjudged as the 2011 Most Gender Sensitive Film, an award from the Quezon City government for the promotion of gender equality through the movies.

The QC government has instituted the award, in partnership with the MMFF Board, to pay tribute in every year’s local film entry that exhibits the values of gender equality and empowerment of Filipino women.

QC Mayor Herbert M. Bautista, a well-known actor, is pleased to honor the film makers who are committed to the promotion of gender-responsiveness through the cinematic arts. Such use of the motion pictures will encourage people to veer away from violence and other gender biases against women, according to the Mayor.

As a luminary in Philippine cinema, Bautista leads Metro Manila mayors in encouraging local government and public support to this annual award in terms of policy legislation and program enhancement.

This year, the QC government through the Gender and Development Resource and Coordinating Office (GADRCO) headed by Dr. Ruby Palma, and the MMFF Board will extend the Most Gender Sensitive Film Award based on a wider field to choose from. MMFF entries now include independent films under the MMFF’s New Wave category.

The QC steering committee chaired by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte has announced that a panel of judges, that is separate from the movie critics of the MMFF who will review the film entries, has been selected and convened. The QC panel is composed of leaders in the film industry and gender experts from the city government, academe, NGO’s, media and the education sector.

The QC Most Gender Sensitive Film Award for mainstream film is composed of both cash and a signature sculpted trophy from artist Sandra Torrijos.

Aside from the gender sensitive award for MMFF film entries, the GADRCO will conduct an essay writing contest among QC’s public school teachers and students on the winning gender sensitive film.

The public viewing of the MMFF film entries will be on December 25, 2011 to January 01, 2012. Rico/ Maureen Quinones, PAISO