UP Film Circle (UPFC) started out as a sort of an "underground group" of five film aficionados. The group was originally founded by the late Humanities Professor James Rañeses and a number of students attending Humanities 2 class in the University of the Philippines Los Banos.



UPFC started in James Rañeses' class because he wanted an organization that would reflect his passion for films. The charter started from a single class with the students recruiting friends, classmates and orgmates which resulted in the hodgepodge of charter members. Since Prof. Rañeses' taught in Communication Arts subjects, the bulk of the charter were CommArts students, but the charter even had chemists, foresters, agriculturists, and even a tv model.

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From those initial, interesting encounters, UPFC came full circle in February 19, 1994 to become the first organization on cinematic arts in UPLB.



UPFC passionately pursued its mission and interests by holding regular film showings and film reviews at the basement of the DL Umali Hall.



To facilitate communication, UPFC started publishing Deep Focus, its official newsletter, with the first issues printed in mimeograph.



The Nickelodeon Agency is UPFC's first agency. Aspiring to build a strong consciousness and awareness on films, the first agency started conducting the Blitzkrieg ​(German for "lightning attack"), a campus-wide quiz contest on films.



Its membership was also put on the brink of extinction. For almost a year, the "Film Triangle", a remnant of three core members, continuously revisited the Circle's purpose, vision and mission, and to save it from dissolution.

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As of the April 2019, UPFC has 59 agencies and more than 60 resident members coming from different colleges; each upholding the organization's principles and beliefs.

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There is also a constant production of short films every year. Aside from being an avenue to learn and gain experience in filmmaking, these productions also serve as the members' team building activity. Unity and camaraderie form as they share their skills and creativity in the film set. The films that UPFC has made ranges from fun, lighthearted comedies to expressionistic experimental shorts.

The organization's events have developed through the years. UPFC's film-themed quiz contest, "Blitzkrieg," is now called "CineLaban," which has recently included a post-quizcon party last semester. “CineElbi,” UPFC's film screening event, has been consistent in bringing films that evoke the emotions and wake the social consciousness of the audience. On its 25th year, UPFC’s CineElbi featured two films: Liway and Hintayan ng Langit.

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Today, because of the effective publicity materials, successful events and activities, and an active presence in the local art scene, UPFC is known as on of the most hardworking organizations in the university. Now on its 25th year, UPFC continues to uphold its beliefs and principles and be the organization that promotes film as a tool for social awakening in the University of the Philippines Los Baños.