ISAPELIKULA: The FDCP Film Fund & Labs

ISAPELIKULA is a project aimed at supporting emerging Filipino filmmakers through incubation and match funding. The initiative provides mentorship, financial backing, and networking opportunities to help bring unique and culturally significant film projects to life.

INCUBATION

ISAPELIKULA incubation period will be the development of scripts of the selected projects and training for the selected filmmakers through a series of online mentorships and two residential intensive workshops on script development and pitching.

Through this program, the FDCP aims to develop the new works of the participants by putting them under intensive guidance from seasoned filmmakers and screenwriters.  The FDCP aims to transform the participants’ sequence treatment or draft script into film-ready screenplays and let them confidently pitch their projects to producers and financiers.

MATCHFUNDING

In match funding, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will match the investment/ funding secured by the finalist from a producer, up to a maximum of ₱10 million. 
 

OBJECTIVES

  1. Identify and develop feature film projects that are distinctly Filipino but with global appeal. These projects must be eligible for major international film festivals and markets, thereby uplifting the status of Philippine cinema to worldwide recognition and appreciation;

  2. Provide government support for Filipino filmmakers, to create original works that are not limited to the local market but bear a strong chance for regional and international distribution;

  3. Provide seed funding for the selected projects through the fund matching program; and

  4. Provide comprehensive support at every stage of the project, from script development, production, to post-production and distribution, through the relevant FDCP programs. The projects go through three parts:

    • Part One: Script Development & Pitching Workshop   

    • Part Two: Project Market & the Production cycle of the projects 

    • Part Three: Distribution 

Eligible Applicants

  1. Filipino citizen and legal age (18 years old and above)
  2. Registered in the FDCP National Registry for Audiovisual Workers (NRAW)
  3. Must have written or co-written at least one feature-length film
  4. Holds or shares the intellectual property rights of the project.
  5. Have all necessary rights to develop, produce, and distribute the project
  6. Do not have any pending obligations from any FDCP assistance
  7. Project must not be concurrently being funded by another FDCP program
  8. Must comply with all eligibility requirements as set by the FDCP

Eligible Projects

  1. Feature-length film project
  2. Fiction, non-fiction, documentary, or animation
  3. May be original or an adaptation, provided there is an authorization letter from the original filmmaker
  4. Must be in English or any Filipino language or dialect, provided there is an English translation or subtitle
  5. Must have a Filipino director (with Filipino Citizenship)

Ineligible Projects

  1. Short film projects
  2. Television series/programs
  3. Academic or educational film projects
  4. Advertisements or commercials
  5. News or current affairs programs
  6. Productions for public or live events
  7. Projects containing explicit content, excessive violence, defamatory material, or content deemed harmful to national interest.
  8. Completed projects or have begun production prior to the application.
  9. Projects with pending obligations/unliquidated funds with FDCP
     

Provisional Application Process

  1. Read and understand the General Guidelines on the requirements & qualifications of the program.

  2. Access the application form through the Google link posted on the FDCP online platforms (website and social media)

  3. Requirements and other forms must be supplied in English or Filipino only.

  4. All application requirements must be consolidated and submitted at once.

  5. Supporting documents submitted separately will be disregarded, and the application will be considered incomplete.

  6. The official date of submission will be announced on the FDCP online platforms (website and social media platforms)

  7. Applicants must fill out the application form and submit the following requirements: 

    • Storyline
          Applicant must adhere to the format of the storyline: 
      • Maximum of five pages
      • Font: Courier New               
      • Font Size: 12 pt             
      • Spacing: Single-spaced
      • ​Paper Size: Letter size (8.5 x 11in)
    • Sequence treatment, if available
    • Resume and Filmography (with proof of credits)
    • Producer, if applicable
    • Writer’s Statement or Letter of Motivation
    • Proof of Registration to the National FDCP Registry
    • Philippine passport and any secondary ID
    • Notarized or Public instrument of the ownership of intellectual property
      The template can be download through the link provided in the form. Applicants must scan the notarized document and upload it to the provided portal in the online form
    • Clearance Certificate/s from previously availed FDCP programs (if applicable) .

  8. The ISAPELIKULA team will verify all submitted documents for the application.

Evaluation and Selection Process

  1. The Selection Committee will evaluate and review the applications.
  2. Twenty (20) Semi-finalists will be selected and announced in FDCP online platforms.

    Projects will be screened based on the following:

Originality and impact of the theme of the narrative

A fresh, unique concept with a strong emotional or intellectual effect.

50%

Embodiment of Filipino values and culture

Authentic representation of Filipino heritage, traditions, and identity.

30%

Universal or global appeal

A story that resonates with diverse audiences beyond cultural boundaries.

20%

TOTAL

100%

The decision of the Selection Committee is final and irrevocable. The Committee is not obliged to give any further explanation on the results.

Finalist Selection Process

The grantees for the ISAPELIKULA: Match funding will be selected from the incubation program. 

Match Funding Process

  1. Finalist with secured investor must submit the following documents for verification:
    • Certificate from the incubation participation
    • Signed and notarized agreement with the co-financier indicating the investment amount
    • Writer’s Certification
    • Production Timeline
  2. Signing of MOA with the FDCP, Finalist, and the investor/co-producer.
  3. Finalists must start principal photography within 6 months upon signing the agreement.