U.P. Visayas Iloilo inaugurated recently a mini-theater to showcase modern masterpieces, modern genre and avant-garde films, claimed documentaries and short films for studies and analysis by students in the arts and the humanities and related studies. Referred to as the UPV Cinematheque, the theater will also serve as an archival museum for film memorabilia, props, conceptual arts and storyboards that will be useful in developing interest in the craft of film-making.

The UPV Cinematheque Project was formally launched by the UP Visayas office of Alumni relations as one of its major projects in line with the UP Centennial Celebration. UP alumna Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez (AA 54), Governor of Antique, was instrumental in sourcing the funds for the P3M building. uP Alumni Solomon Exmundo (BS Mining Eng’g ’65) and Nilda Lopez-Exmundo (BSFS ’65 MPA 69), together with their son oliver, was responsible for furnishing the interior of the cinema to include the aircon units, projector, sound systems, chairs, and even bathroom fixtures.

Oliver is a Senior animator at Weta Digital, the New Zealand-based outfit that created the visual effects of the world-famous The Lord of the rings movie trilogy. He has been making a name for himself as an animator at the Foundation Imaging in Los Angeles which produced television series such as Starship Troopers, Max Steel, and Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future. He moved on to join the TV network Nickelodeon which produced Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. He moved to New Zealand in 2002 to join Weta Digital. His film credits include the following: The Lord of the rings: The Two Towers; The Lord of the rings: The return of the King; I-robot; King Kong; X-Men: The Last Stand; Eragon, The Water Horse, and, most recently, James Cameron’s Avatar.

The UPV Cinematheque will also serve as a venue for screening a wide array of movies ranging from landmark films in cinematic history to non-mainstream, art or foreign films. It will also provide the new generation a chance to catch a glimpse of bygone eras through the “Sunday Night Matinee” family viewing sessions.

The UPV Cinematheque also aims to develop and enrich the moviegoer’s passion and appreciation for the art of film through the observance of proper filmviewing etiquette and the offer of interesting facts about a film’s cast and production crew; awards; groundbreaking artistic achievements in composition, sound and light technology; story and script; acting and staging; and editing.

In the future, the Cinematheque will offer courses in digital filmmaking, film theory and history, master’s classes, and workshops for members embarking on a career or hobby in making movies, whether full length, short film, or documentary.

Being primarily an art house, the Cinematheque will be membership driven and will rely on support from individuals, foundations, as well as public and private corporations. Prospective donors may donate P25,000 for a theater chair which may be named or dedicated in their honor or of a person of their choosing. Interested parties may call the UPV office of Alumni relations at (033) 336-8837, 509-0596 and look for Almera Facto for details.