Canon joins Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in celebrating its 10th year anniversary by becoming the exclusive camera partner for Cinemalaya X. Considered to be one of most enduring film festival partnerships in the Philippines, Canon’s participation in Cinemalaya X marks a milestone for both the company and the festival’s history.
“Canon’s value to the Cinemalaya goes beyond the corporate sponsorship,” claims Rebecca Jose, division chief of the Sponsorships and Memberships and Market Development of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). “What we have found in Canon is a sincere companion in promoting the voice of the independent filmmakers in the country. From providing support through technical consultations and equipment loans, to recognizing the best works by awarding the winners with their high-end professional cameras, Canon has been an indispensible part of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival since 2009.”
In ten years, Cinemalaya has steadily grown to become the premier showcase of the country’s best talents in independent filmmaking. Screenings have expanded from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), to theatrical screenings in partner malls such as Greenbelt Makati, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, and Alabang Town Center. Cinemalaya has also seen increased participation of international films in recent years, further making it one of the most anticipated festivals in South East Asia.
“Canon is proud to be a partner of Cinemalaya in fostering a vibrant independent film community in the country,” explains Mr. Joseph Vincent Sanchez, Assistant Director for Consumer Imaging and Information Division. “We would like to think that the growth of independent cinema in the Philippines is something of a shared history between Canon and Cinemalaya. As ‘Indie’ in the Philippines flourished, the demand for alternative filmmaking tools expanded with it. Further on, the tools themselves contributed to how we define an ‘Indie’, as the tools provided image quality that was before unprecedented in the industry. In supporting Cinemalaya, Canon became the go-to-camera for indie-filmmakers.”
For Cinemalaya X, Canon will be showcasing its extensive line-up of digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, lenses and professional HD video camcorders. In addition, to be displayed is the complete range of Canon Cinema EOS cameras for all the attendees to touch and try. Unique to the booth will be a line-up of recently launched products: the EOS C300 and C100 cameras with the new Dual Pixel CMOS AF upgrade, the new Cine Zoom Servo 17-120 and the new XF205 Professional camcorder.
“Cinemalaya has been an avenue for filmmakers to showcase original stories, unconventional techniques and a critical way of thinking that we believe is crucial to the overall development of Philippine cinema,” adds Sanchez. We believe that the continued partnership between Canon and Cinemalaya will lead the independent industry to greater heights.”
