ASEAN-Japan TV festival debuts in Manila

FILE: “This festival aims to deepen mutual cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in the areas of TV production, program exchanges and technological development. There can be no better partner than Japan in the realm of HDTV, being a pioneer in this technology and for breakthroughs in the entertainment industry,” Andanar said.
(PNA photo)

MANILA – More than 200 delegates from member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations attended the opening of the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Television Festival (AJTVF), which opened here Thursday.

The festival, which is making its debut in Manila after a successful run in Malaysia and is one of the many activities lined up for the ASEAN summit being hosted by the Philippines, was held at the Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City, with no less than Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar welcoming exhibitors and participants of the festival.

“This festival aims to deepen mutual cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in the areas of TV production, program exchanges and technological development. There can be no better partner than Japan in the realm of HDTV, being a pioneer in this technology and for breakthroughs in the entertainment industry,” Andanar said.

For his part, Japan Vice Minister for Policy Coordination for International Affairs Masahiko Tominaga was pleased with how well the festival has been received and by the enthusiasm of the participants to learn more about the emerging trends in both traditional television and new media.

“I believe that everyone in ASEAN has become familiar with Japanese television content in the documentary, drama series, animation and cutting-edge game shows. This festival will certainly strengthen cooperative relationships and confidential relationships among broadcasters from member states and Japan, generating new business and program exchanges,” Masahiko said.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were PCOO Undersecretary Noel George Puyat, chairman of the AJTVF organizing committee; Director Dino Antonio Apolonio of People’s Television Network (PTV4); and representatives of partner agencies Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS).

For broadcasters and enthusiasts, the festival is a gold mine of information with workshops on the latest trends in television broadcast technology, co-production, content programming, and maximizing new media to generate sales and income.

There is also an exhibit area for ASEAN member states and Japanese broadcast companies that aim to broaden the professional base of broadcasters from the region.

Screenings of Japanese television shows, films and documentaries for registered participants and students will be held on Friday while a public event featuring local performers and popular Japanese music acts will be held at the Trinoma Mall Activity Center, 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.