The MOVIE WORKERS WELFARE FOUNDATION, INC. (MOWELFUND) is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare, educational, and industry development foundation organized and established in 1974 by then Producer/Actor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada, former Philippine President and incumbent Manila mayor, to serve marginalized workers in the Philippine motion picture industry.

In the 70’s and the 80’s, MOWELFUND initiated the expansion of the Manila Film Festival to become the now-popular Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). It helped rationalize the movie industry by contributing to the creation of agencies like the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP). It took part in reorganizing the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). It has also initiated the campaign against film and video piracy.

MOWELFUND’s range of activities and record of accomplishments for more than four (4) decades now make it an organization of pivotal importance and coordination for the various institutions and guilds involved with Philippine cinema. It is managed by a Board of Trustees comprising respected leaders in Philippine cinema. Through its education arm, the Mowelfund Film Institute (MFI), the foundation has likewise reached beyond Philippine shores, developing international linkages, and participating in various film exhibitions by its graduates and by mainstream producers and directors.

By the nature of its commitment, Mowelfund initiatives and programs are geared to fortify the key cornerstone of the industry – the dedicated movie worker, whose creativity and labor continuously enrich the tapestry of Filipino film heritage.