The MOWELFUND FILM INSTITUTE (MFI) is the educational arm of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND). It is a unique film training center in Southeast Asia that caters to the needs of the mainstream film industry and independent cinema.

The Institute is a response to the need of raising consciousness among filmmakers and audiences for a better film culture in the country. It adheres to the following objectives:

DEVELOP WIDER BASE OF FILMMAKERS

DEVELOP WIDER
FILM USAGE

DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE
FILM VENUES

Since its inception in 1979, MFI is proud of its dedication to film education, its willingness to innovate, and its passion for film, not only as a medium of entertainment, but as a very powerful visual and communication art form always in evolution. Distinguished local and foreign lecturers are invited to conduct workshops and seminars, which attract students from top universities, professionals from the film industry and film enthusiasts.

Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI) is proud of its students who overcome limitations and make films that are short but full of independent visions and newfound voices. In educating the young artists, it approaches the fulfillment of this dream.

Its alumni have won awards for their innovative works in local and international short film festivals. A number have figured prominently in mainstream cinema and independent cinema, among others, Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals awardees Raymond Red, Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz and other headliners Nick Deocampo, Yam Laranas, Mark Meily, Joey Agbayani, Armando “Bing” Lao, Jon Red, Rox Lee, Topel Lee, Neil Daza,  Robert Quebral, Mel Bacani, Ellen Ramos, Paolo Villaluna, Ricky Orellana, Auraeus Solito, Cesar Hernando, Larry Manda, Odyssey Flores, Sari Dalena, Kiri Dalena, Ogie Sugatan, Mike Alcazaren, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Ditsi Carolino, Jo Atienza, Regiben Romana, Albert Banzon, Shane Sarte, Rica Arevalo, Rap Fernandez, Kean Cipriano, Ice Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra.

In its pursuit to educate the young filmmakers and to elevate the quality of cinematic art in the country, the MFI is active in the following programs: Education, Workshop Productions and Outreach Program through its Cinema Mobile.

Training in filmmaking is MFI’s core function. MFI is popular for its short-term yet comprehensive hands-on film production workshops and specialized seminar/workshops geared towards creative, innovation and technical expertise.

MFI recognizes the need to elevate the standards of film appreciation in the country through a specialized Mobile Cinema. Unlike previous Mobile Cinema workshops conducted by MFI, wherein it targets local government units and communities, it currently focuses on colleges and universities offering Commission on Higher Education (CHED) accredited Mass Communication degrees; and under the subject MAKABAYAN for elementary and high school students.

The reformatted project combines film screenings with basics of film language coupled with Filipino culture.  Another aspect is the introduction to basic components of creating a motion picture.

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