Asia Pacific Film Institute

{{Short description|Film school in the Philippines}}

{{cleanup higher education|date=June 2020}}

{{Infobox university

| name = Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFi)

| image = Asia Pacific Film Institute Official Logo.jpg

| image_size =

| established = 2004

| type = Private film school

| parent = Briggs R. Yalung

| location = YDG Bldg. Blue Ridge Katipunan Ave. Project 4, Quezon City, Philippines

| website = {{URL|facebook.com/iamapfi}}

}}

The Asia Pacific Film Institute is a film school in the Philippines.

It is the first independently run and self-supporting film school in the country. It offers full educational services and training facilities in classic and modern filmmaking with neither funding nor alliance from any college, university, agency or film association.Press release, Asia Pacific Film Institute, 2006. APFi/UFO WORKSHOPS also have film screenings called UFO sightings "CINEMA KNIGHTS" every last Saturday of every month, this is open to all filmmakers.

Several graduates have risen to prominence, attaining fame, success, and international recognition throughout their careers, including Marielle Hizon{{Cite news |title=LIST: 2024 FAMAS Awards winners |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/5/26/list-2024-famas-awards-winners-010 |work=ABS-CBN NEWS}}, Emille Joson{{Cite news |title=Emille Joson shakes up Hollywood streams |url=https://malaya.com.ph/entertainment/emille-joson-shakes-up-hollywood-streams/ |work=Malaya Business Insight}}, Joel Ferrer{{Cite web |title=Joel Ferrer IMDB |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3774979/ |website=IMDB Internet Movie Database}}, Rhadem Morados,{{Cite news |title=Philippine Embassy promotes LGBTIQ rights |url=https://www.berlinglobal.org/index.php?philippine-embassy-promotes-lgbtiq-rights |work=Berlin Global Asia}} and Kip Oebanda.{{Cite news |title=Kip Oebanda’s ‘Balota’ a response to the 2022 elections |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/08/08/2376174/kip-oebandas-balota-response-2022-elections |work=PhilStar News}}

Accreditation

The institute is accredited as a technical and vocational postsecondary institution by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of the Philippines.[http://www.tesda.gov.ph Technical Education and Skills Development Authority] (TESDA), Philippines. Last accessed June 2007.

= Film Development Council of the Philippines =

The institute is also now part of the Academic Film Society (AFS), led by the FDCP Filipino Development Council of the Philippines, joining a community dedicated to film education. This partnership opens new opportunities for students to expand their cinematic knowledge and skills.{{Cite news |title=FDCP to meet AFS school reps on April 5 |url=https://malaya.com.ph/lifestyle/living/fdcp-to-meet-afs-school-reps-on-april-5/ |work=Malaya Business Insight}}

The Metro Manila Film Festival

File:Award-Winning Director Emille Joson.jpg

In 2011, Emille Joson,{{Cite web |title=Emille Joson IMDB |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4838276/?ref_=tt_ov_dr_1 |website=IMBD Internet Movie Database}} a student from Batch 5, made history as the first student to receive a nomination for her short film Adivino at the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival’s newly launched New Wave category, which was designed for indie films and art students to compete, much like the UAAP for film students.{{Cite news |title=View complete screening schedule of the New Wave entries of the 37th MMFF |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/9498/view-complete-screening-schedule-of-the-new-wave-entries-of-the-37th-mmff?s=d5vq7dt7iit912hdg3njinibi4 |work=PEP.PH Philippines Entertainment Portal}} In 2020, the Adivino short film gained renewed attention from western horror fans, particularly following the rise of the #MeToo movement, propelling Emille Joson into international prominence and capturing the interest of Hollywood.{{Cite news |title=Emille Joson shakes up Hollywood streams |url=https://malaya.com.ph/entertainment/emille-joson-shakes-up-hollywood-streams/ |work=Manila Business Insight}}

Three years after Joson's career-defining nomination, Immy Rempis' student short film "Kalaw" also received a nomination, once again representing APFi at 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite news |title=MMDA announces 15 independent film finalists to the New Wave Section |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/14709/mmda-announces-15-independent-film-finalists-to-the-new-wave-section?s=qpsouuahkaa0caspgolghvph9a |work=PEP Philippine Entertainment Portal}}

Programs

The film school offers comprehensive filmmaking programs and short training courses in allied fields.

= 1 Year Diploma Program Motion Picture Production =

First Term:

1) Directing 101

2) Scriptwriting 101

3) Cinematography 101

4) Production Design

5) Production Management

6) Editing 101

Second Term:

1) Directing 201

2) Scriptwriting 201

3) Cinematography 201

4) EDITING 201

Third Term:

1) Thesis - Individual a 15–20 minutes short film

- 35mm or HD Camera

2) Visual Effects

3) Sound

WORKSHOPS are under UFO WORKSHOPS for people who don't have time for a One year comprehensive Film making Program.

= APFI Launches the School of Digital Arts (APFI-SDA) =

Following the reopening of the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI) at its new location, the institution proudly introduces the School of Digital Arts (APFI-SDA), expanding its commitment to creative education.

APFI-SDA will initially offer photography and videography workshops, with plans to introduce graphic design, web design, and diploma programs in the coming months. These initiatives aim to nurture and develop the next generation of digital artists.

Leading the program is Jijo de Guzman, a highly respected figure in the photography industry. With over 15 years of experience, he has worked with Ayala Corporation, ViewSonic, Landbank of the Philippines, PLDT, and more. Currently a Canon Philippines Brand Ambassador, Jijo, alongside other distinguished instructors, will bring industry expertise to APFI-SDA’s curriculum.

This marks a new chapter for APFI, further strengthening its role in fostering creative talent in the digital arts.

= APFI À La Carte Program: Flexible Filmmaking Education for Working Professionals =

The Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI) introduces its À La Carte Program, designed for aspiring filmmakers balancing work and education. This program offers flexible, standalone courses in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, editing, and more, allowing students to customize their learning experience without committing to a full program.

Ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their skills at their own pace, the À La Carte Program provides an opportunity to explore various aspects of filmmaking while maintaining a work schedule.

= APFI’s Full Motion Picture Production Program: A Comprehensive Pathway to Filmmaking =

The Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI) offers a 6-month Full Motion Picture Production Program, designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with essential skills and industry knowledge.

Covering key disciplines such as screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and directing, this program provides an immersive foundation for those looking to enter the film industry. It serves as an ideal launching pad for individuals eager to refine their craft and gain hands-on experience in filmmaking.

PHASE 1:

Film Appreciation - Production Management - Film Editing - Sound Design - Phase 1 Finals

PHASE 2:

Scriptwriting - Acting - Production Design - Cinematography - Phase 2 Finals

PHASE 3:

Producing - Directing Actors - Directing - Phase 3 Finals - Thesis

Faculty

The institute draws its faculty from experienced professionals in the film industry.[http://www.asiapacificfilm.com Official Website, Asia Pacific Film Institute] Last accessed June 2007.

  • Celso Ad Castillo - Resident Director, Directing/Scriptwriting
  • Reginald Vinluan - Visual Effects
  • Manny Morfe - Professor, Production Design
  • Boy Vinarao - Professor, Directing/Editing(Linear)
  • Robert Quebral - Professor, Cinematography 35mm
  • Nap Jamir - Professor, Cinematography
  • Jade Castro - Professor, Scriptwriting/Directing
  • Raymond Lee - ScriptWriting
  • Emman Dela Cruz - Directing/Directing Actors
  • Edber Mamisao - Directing
  • JD Domingo - Editing
  • Mads Adrias - Production Management

NEW FACULTY MEMBERS:

  • Gian Caluag - Advanced Cinematography
  • Angeli Bayani - Acting Class
  • John Bedia - Scriptwriting
  • Siege Ledesma - Directing
  • Dino Placino - Cinematographer
  • JD Domingo - Film Editor
  • Marielle Hizon - Production Designer
  • Jet Leyco - Film Appreciation

More newly updated list of mentors, like the multi-awarded winning actor Leo Martinez teaching Eric Morris System: No Acting Please.

References

{{Reflist}}