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| A showcase of posters of the short films and documentaries from students of West Visayas State University screened during the official launch of FDCP's various academic programs. (Image Source: adobo Magazine/Film Development Council of the Philippines/West Visayas State University) |
Student filmmakers from West Visayas State University (WVSU) screened their cinematic works for free at Cinematheque Centres nationwide last March 18 as part of Academedia and official launch of other academic programs of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). WVSU students, or Taga-West, got to show their short films and documentaries including “Judith” by Daniel de la Cruz, “Kinatao” by Lovely Jaro, “To Those We Loved the Most” by Leander Hofileña and Chelsea Young, “Modyul, Modyul Lang” by Maria JC Emmanuelle Momblan, “What If?” by Hofileña and Aimee Barte, “Panakayon” by Francis Cabinos, and “Sa Likod Sang Lense” by John Angelo Arroyo and Mars Dela Cruz, at Cinematheque Centre Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Nabunturan, and Davao.
In “Judith", a broadcasting student realizes the dangers of the pandemic as realities of life unfold. “Kinatao” tackles the story of a student struggling to adapt to her online classes. A nursing sophomore goes through a life-changing experience when she literally finds herself between her neighbor’s legs. Meanwhile, in “To Those We Loved The Most", a working student is bent on doing his best as he struggles to manage his time between his job and his studies. Only his younger sister is left in his family. “Modyul, Modyul Lang” is a documentary film about the realities faced by grade school pupils in public schools because of the pandemic. “What If?” starts with a spark of curiosity as two young and ambitious minds meet and feel an instant connection, eager to explore the mysteries of life and constantly searching for the “what ifs” that can lead to new relationships and infinite possibilities. “Panakayon” focuses on the journey of a multifaceted Taga-West bracing his way to success. Finally, “Sa Likod Sang Lense” centers on the life of a woman as she tries to reach for her goal, follow the footsteps of her friends, and have a better future in the media industry.
These films won at the recently concluded University Days Short Filmmaking Competition 2023 at WVSU. Members of the WVSU Film Society and Sinemaskom, led by their adviser Prof. Kareen Gancio, attended the event at Cinematheque Centre Iloilo. Academedia, formerly known as UFlix, provides an exhibition platform for the works of student filmmakers to support and encourage them to pursue their passion for filmmaking. This month, the FDCP featured student films from WVSU and De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). In between the two sets of screenings for Academedia, two other programs, namely the Academic Film Society and the Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP), were launched through a forum led by FDCP Chair and Chief Executive Officer Tirso Cruz III, executive director Dan Morales, technical consultant Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, and program officer Mark John Pamintuan. The FDCP, through the SFAP, will open 25 slots per cycle to Filipino student filmmakers enrolled in academic institutions that will register to be part of the AFS. Successful applicants may receive up to Php50,000 worth of cash grants to help them produce their thesis films and capstone projects.
