During the CCP Institutional Press Conference organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Corporate Communications Department held Thursday, February 1, at the newly-built Liwasang KaLIKHasan in the CCP grounds, I commended several programs of the Center, namely "Pasinaya," "Virgin LabFest," and "Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival," among others, as hitmakers.
But I also mentioned several CCP projects like "Cine Icons" which to my mind are not so popular yet.
"Cine Icons" is bringing, remembering and discussing the films created by National Artists by screening them in various venues in Metro Manila and the provinces.
Living creatives of the films are invited to the symposium like National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor for "Bulaklak sa City Jail" and Ricky Lee for "Karnal" last year.
I added that there are impressions and observations coming from well-meaning persons about the seeming lack of enthusiasm from the target audiences about the program.
Understandably, its success and popularization is an uphill battle and the process is not an overnight sensation.
According to Dennis Marasigan, CCP Vice-President and Artistic Director, "Cine Icons" also have its limitations, but they are working hard to minimize them.
"We have some sense of institutional problems. We want to connect to other agencies like educational institutions to mobilize students, for instance," said Dennis.
Meanwhile, CCP President Michelle Nikki Junia has clarified the seeming lack of enthusiasm of the audiences about "Cine Icons."
"When I joined the project in the regions, I noticed a growing sense of interest among the fans, especially of films. I noticed that fans of Ricky Lee were excited to join the discussion," recalled Michelle Nikki.
Photo Credit: CCP
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