From September 12 to September 13, 2025, the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) spearheaded the first-ever Nueva Vizcaya Filmmaking Workshop, in the Ammungan Hall of the Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The workshop is an extension of the nascent Nueva Vizcaya Film Festival, launched for the Tourism Month celebration of the province.

The student creatives of the higher-education institutions of the province joined the workshop, whose speakers included Aritao-born director Mes de Guzman and Solano-born director Aries Ferrer. Director de Guzman was also joined by producer Rhea de Guzman, who regaled the attendees with behind-the-scenes stories from production.

For ease of production and of the belief that good filmmaking did not necessitate fancy equipment, the primary equipment for the budding filmmakers was their own cellphones. Director de Guzman also showed samples of his own work and urged the students not only to focus on storytelling, but to find stories from all sources, and not just social media. The students were also encouraged to share their own work and experiences.

The film festival and workshop were conducted in collaboration with the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Local Youth Development Office (NVPLYDO) and Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI R2). During the planning stages for the Tourism Month celebration, acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales referred to the emerging film culture in the higher-education institutions of the province and thus announced the festival during the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration, with youth culture as a major theme for Tourism Month. DTI also expressed their enthusiasm for such artistic endeavors and pledged support during a meeting of the Provincial Tourism Council.

The Tourism Month celebration will continue throughout the rest of September with such events as the Provincial Tour Guides Assembly and Seminar on September 19, 2025; a second session of Jamming at the Skate Park, on September 20, 2025; and Glamping at the Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park with Novo Vizcayano Content Creators. /igmb

[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]