MANILA, Philippines?The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, now in its fourth year, is ?gradually being recognized as an important cinema event by programmers abroad,? says Nestor Jardin, president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

?We are thrilled that there seems to be a growing interest in Cinemalaya among foreign festival directors,? Jardin notes.

Paolo Bertolini, Asian Cinema programmer of the Venice International Film Festival, was in town to confer with Cinemalaya filmmakers and watch their works at the CCP last week, reports Tess Rances, Cinemalaya coordinator and organizing committee member.

Bertolini visited Manila three weeks before Cinemalaya?s opening because he couldn?t make it on the festival?s actual run next month (July 11 to 20), explains Rances.

Other foreign programmers have similarly expressed interest in the local digital tilt. Jardin provided Inquirer Entertainment with a list of the expected guests from abroad.

Apart from Venice, representatives of the Pusan, Toronto, Jakarta, Rotterdam, Udine and Berlin festivals are in communication with Cinemalaya officers.

At press time, among those who have confirmed participation are: Critic Max Tessier of FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics); Kim Je-Seok of Pusan; Richard Phathanavirangoon of

Toronto; David Ocon, project executive (Cultural Exchange) of the Asia-Europe Foundation; Lalu Roisamri and Shanty Harmayn-Hofman of Jakarta; Robert Malengreau of the Belgian Independent Film Festival; Ansgar Voght of Berlin; and Gertjan Zuilhof of Rotterdam.

Jardin says at least four festival programmers are expected.

Growing viewership

?They are coming to see the competition and exhibition films to select titles for their forthcoming festivals,? Jardin points out. ?Some of them will act as jury members; others as panelists in the Cinemalaya Independent Film Congress.?

In terms of viewership, Jardin says, the festival has grown ?by leaps and bounds, from 8,000 viewers in the first year to 23,000 last year.?

In terms of quality, the lineup has vastly improved, too, says Tonyboy Cojuangco, chair of the Cinemalaya Foundation.

?I?m excited to watch this year?s batch,? he says.

Email: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com