STARTING 2017, you’ll be able to catch local independent and award-winning films at select SM cinemas all year round.

SM Cinema has inked a three-year partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to bring independent films closer and more accessible to moviegoers.

FDCP Chairman Liza Diño said the collaboration with SM aims to help local independent filmmakers bring their work closer to audiences. She noted that many of our most talented directors and actors got their start in independent film, which is exactly why they need support — more exposure, more venues, more people reached.

“FDCP believes that all sectors from the filmmakers to the audience are stakeholders in the growth of our creative industry. This partnership with SM will not only fulfill our continuous pursuit of developing the audience into watching a variety of films but it will also give the independent producers a platform to learn how to market, to promote, and to distribute their films to a wider audience,” Diño said.

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. (SMLEI) President Edgar Tejerero said the partnership is the company’s way of showing support for the local film industry. SM Cinema will provide eight dedicated theaters nationwide to show independent movies year-round at more affordable ticket prices, including SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Southmall, SM Cebu, SM Bacoor, and SM Mall of Asia (or SM Davao or SM Lanang).

“We believe in nurturing our independent movie producers and recognize the effort and creativity they put in their work despite the financial challenges,” Tejerero said.

See you at SM Cinemas, folks!

Photo by cebuciatw.