EFAD at the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2026 in Manilla
EFAD Secretary General Sevara Irgacheva took part in the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2026 “Navigating our Future, Together,” held in Manila and hosted by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in collaboration with the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN).
The Summit brought together film agencies from accross Asia and Europe, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, archivists and cultural institutions from the region, with a particular focus on film education and film heritage. The programme included conferences and professional exchanges to foster cultural understanding and strengthen international relations.
EFAD Secretary General had the opportunity to learn more about the work and initiatives of the FDCP, particularly its approach to film education, access to cinema and the preservation of film heritage. Through its Philippine Film Archive, the FDCP preserves and provides access to the country’s audiovisual heritage, with a collection of more than 31,000 works. Its educational initiatives also connect schools and universities with workshops, films, resources and training opportunities for both students and teachers.
One remarkable initiative is JuanFlix - the FDCP Channel, the agency’s own streaming platform, which provides audiences with access to classic and contemporary Filipino films, as well as international titles. The platform also supports the FDCP’s educational activities, bringing film heritage closer to students and younger audiences.
As part of the Summit, EFAD Secretary General participated in a panel dedicated to film education, moderated by AFAN Secretary General Lorna Tee. Representatives from European and Asian film institutions, including KOFIC, FINAS, FDCP and EFAD member CNC, discussed different approaches to film education and the increasingly important role it plays in shaping criticial and creative thinking among younger generations.
EFAD shared initiatives from across its members, presenting the wide range of film education policies developed by European film agencies, reflecting different national contexts, cultures and traditions. The discussion provided an opportunity to compare approaches and experiences between Europe and Asia, and identify common challenges.
The Summit also provided valuable opportunities for bilateral exchanges, alongside a Young Filmmakers Bootcamp and conferences held in the presence of the First Lady of the Philippines. The programme also included a closed-door meeting bringing together AFAN members, international experts, and EFAD Secretary General.
The Summit allowed to enhance dialogue between European and Asian film agencies and professionals, allowing to compare approaches, learn from different systems and identify areas for stronger cooperation.
Strengthening the collaboration between EFAD and AFAN to further connect European and Asian film communities is essential. We share a mutual belief in the power of film and the moving image to foster intercultural understanding, connecting audiences and bringing different stories and perspectives closer together.
EFAD warmly thanks the Film Development Council of the Philippines, AFAN and their teams for their hospitality and for creating an important space for exchange between the two regions.
