Film director Joey Javier Reyes lists best film schools in PH

Acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Jose "Joey" Javier Reyes recently shared his list of what he considers the “Best Film Schools” in the Philippines.

“I was asked by a group of graduating senior high students what were the BEST FILM SCHOOLS in our country. I threw in what I believe were top of the list,” Reyes wrote in his Facebook post.

According to the 72-year old director, the institutions he highlighted stand out because they do not simply teach film theory and appreciation. More importantly, they provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop the skills needed to create films themselves.

His top film schools are De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB), University of the Philippines (UP), Far Eastern University (FEU), Mapúa University, and the University of Makati (UMak). Reyes attached the logos of the schools in his post, emphasizing programs that prioritize practical filmmaking experience and production-based learning.

His recommendations carry weight given his extensive experience in both the Philippine film industry and academia.

Reyes currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), following his oath-taking in April 2024.

Beyond his  leadership role at the FDCP, Reyes is a respected filmmaker, producer, writer, and educator. He is also a Senior Professional Lecturer and runs the production company Largavista, which line-produces independent films.

Throughout his career, Reyes has received recognition from major award-giving bodies, including the Gawad Urian, Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and FAMAS Awards for movies. Among his acclaimed works are “Oro, Plata, Mata,” “Batang PX,” “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” and “Mga Mumunting Lihim.” He also wrote the screenplay for the blockbuster hit “Four Sisters and a Wedding.” 

Reyes’ strong ties to education also explain his emphasis on film schools and training. According to his biography in IMDb, he graduated from De La Salle University’s College of Liberal Arts and began his professional career as a Literature professor at the university. 

He later became Associate Professor and Chairman of the Philippine Studies Department before shifting to a full-time career in entertainment. Today, he continues to teach part-time, including courses for Communication Arts students.

His advocacy for film education is also reflected in the initiatives of the FDCP under his leadership.

Recognizing that the future of Philippine cinema begins in the classroom, the FDCP launched its inaugural Film Education Convention (FilmEc) in 2024 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, bringing together students, educators, and industry professionals for learning and collaboration.

Following the success of the first FilmEc, the FDCP is working to expand the program into a recurring nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening film education and developing a globally competitive and critically informed creative workforce.