Despite being male-dominated, the world of film wouldn’t thrive without the grit of female storytellers. And “storytellers” don’t just mean directors and screenwriters—the term also covers actors, musical scorers, and others that make up the fullness of cinema.
Good news: We can learn from Filipina storytellers this March.
Read more: Nadine Lustre and the myths of love in “Ulan”
University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) is holding another round of its yearly “SineMaestra: Women’s Masterclasses” this March. In celebration of Women’s Month, we can sign up for five classes on film music, cinematography, production design, acting and directing spearheaded by some of Philippine cinema’s most influential forces.
From Mar. 7 to 28, we can take notes from film music composer Teresa Barrozo (“Birdshot,” “Ka Oryang”), cinematographer Tey Clamor (“Sleepless,” “Isa Pa With Feelings”), production designer Marielle Hizon (“Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon,” “Blue Bustamante), actress Angeli Bayani (“Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan,” “Melancholia”), and director Irene Villamor (“Meet Me In St. Gallen,” “Ulan”). It’s the perfect time to develop your long-time pitches and ask the mentors for advice.
Each masterclass has an early bird rate of P500. Walk-ins will be charged P1,000 per masterclass. If you’re up for the challenge of completing all five masterclasses, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion at the end of the series. Sounds like a sweet deal.
If you’re ready to get schooled, register here.
Check out the full schedule below. Best of luck, future leaders of Philippine cinema.
Still from “Ulan”