The Film Development Council of the Philippines partnered with FEST Film Lab to bring world-class professional filmmaking workshops to the Philippines from July 12 to 17. The intensive week-long program offered Filipino filmmakers with global standard knowledge from industry leaders. The workshops provided the selected participants with hands-on learning in key filmmaking disciplines such as editing, auditioning, production design, audio engineering, and financing. The FDCP x Fest Film Lab 2025 officially kicked off with the opening remarks from FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, who encouraged attendees to challenge themselves and elevate local storytelling. FEST Film Lab Head Filipe Pereira followed with a welcome message, emphasizing the program’s inclusive vision of connecting all sectors of the film ecosystem through expert mentorship. Alex Rodriguez, the Oscar-nominated editor of “Y Tu Mamá También” (2001) and “Children of Men” (2006), shared his approach to editing and storytelling rhythm, with the Film Editing participants, exploring structure, logic, and emotional flow in action film “Mosul” (2019), which he also edited. Meanwhile, Actors in the Auditioning for Film and TV workshop had live scene work, tape reviews, and one-on-one feedback from Casting Society of America (CSA) Artios Award-winning casting director Nancy Bishop. The workshop also included discussions on film archetypes and a casting activity. BAFTA awardee Andrew McAlpine (“The Piano”) and Emmy winner Gemma Jackson (“Game of Thrones” and “John Adams”) guided Production Design workshop participants through their artistic process, showcasing concept art from their works and providing commentary on selected film scenes. On the other hand, Academy Award-winning sound mixer Mark Ulano (“Titanic”) and Patrushkha Mierzwa, one of the first women boom operators in the entertainment industry, led the Telling the Story with Sound workshop. The sound professionals, who are behind some of Hollywood’s biggest films, emphasized communication between the sound department, cinematographer, and director. The final session covered sound equipment placement and concealing lapel mics. Paul Miller delved into the producer’s role, the value of intellectual property, and included a pitching activity. The Film Financing in an Entrepreneurial Age workshop concluded with insights into the differences in production, test screening, and box office number review between local and international systems. Cinemalaya winner Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan (“Blue Room”), one of the Filipino filmmakers who joined Miller’s workshop, enjoyed her FEST Film Lab experience. “I attended with friends, and met young and emerging producers, and gained knowledge from the workshop and from one another,” she shared. Media partners also conducted an exclusive Q&A session with the mentors, where they reflected on their experiences and connection with Filipino filmmakers. FDCP x FEST Film Lab participants and mentors had an inspiring exchange of ideas and passion for film.