The Asia Pacific Film Institute was founded 2001 by acclaimed filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya and veteran producer Ben “M7” Yalung. Their goal was to create an institution that would provide practical and comprehensive filmmaking education by tapping their extensive network of industry veterans and practioners. In 2008, multi awarded maverick Celso Ad Castillo and a batch of new lecturers such as Manny Morfe, Robert Quebral, and Boy Vinarao ushered in new re-formulated courses. That year, APFi’s main building was renovated and new cameras, non-linear editing suites, graphics workstations and lights were procured. The new Asia Pacific Film Institute continues and expands the school’s original vision of providing an affordable, practical, and comprehensive film education at the heart of Metro Manila with TESDA accredited courses and notable filmmakers as faculty.