Davao Cinematheque

Finally Dabawenyos and  cineastes in the region will get the chance to watch cinematic classics from the great golden ages of Philippine cinema and other seminal films from international cinema with the opening of  the Davao Cinematheque.

The facility was realized through a 50-year usufruct agreement signed by the FDCP and the City Government of Davao, where the City Government offered the former Department of Education property along Palma Gil Street (adjacent to the People's Park). The FDCP converted the former DepEd facility into a small movie theatre which could screen Filipino classics and World Cinema and also could host film-related workshops.

Watching Brocka's 1984 classic Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim

Direk Brillante Mendoza is flanked by Mutya ng Dabaw beauties

The structure is a 120- seater theatre it is also a public-private partnership as the projector is donated by SM Malls. The old 35mm cinema projectors were donated by the largest chain of mall cinemas as they are currently upgrading into ultra-modern Digital Cinema Projectors.

The June 29 opening was graced by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, FDCP Chair Briccio Santos, (incidentally madam Mayor and chair Briccio are children of former Davao City mayors. Briccio Santos is the  son of the late City Mayor Luis T. Santos.) French Ambassador Gilles Garachon, 2009 Cannes Best Director awardee Brillante Mendoza and Danny Brocka, the brother of National Artist for Film, the late National Artist For Film Lino Brocka.

The facility included a bronze statue of Lino Brocka made by Filipino sculptor Jonas Roces.

   With Danny Brocka, representing the Brocka family. I was taking some photos

     when a lady requested if I could give her a copy of my photos, I gave her my

number a week later, I received a text from Danny Brocka, requesting if I  could 

provide them  some copies  of the photos. I am a big fan of direk  Lino Brocka  

counting  "Insiang,"  "Ang Tatay Kung Nanay," "Maynila sa Kuko 
ng Liwanag"  " Babangon Ako't Dudurugin  Kita"  as  among my favorite 
flicks. And  a Brocka  texting you felt somewhat surreal.

Direk Dante Mendoza, Mayor Sara Duterte, FDCP chair Briccio Santos, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon and Danny Brocka.

The cinematheque provides free screening of movies. Aside from film showings, the facility also hosts some film-related workshops.

Davao Cinematheque is at Palma Gil Street, adjacent to the People's Park
and the newly-constructed  Pasalubong Center