Spearheaded by UP Cinema, a student film organization based in the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD)一Piling Obrang Vidyo (POV), a week-long nationwide and intercollegiate film festival competition returns for its 18th edition. The selected short films will be screened for free on MOOV of Cinema Centenario from Mar. 12 to 18, 2022.
A collection of stories
With the theme “Sa Lansangan,” POV XVIII embraces the challenging times with the call to empower the youth in sharing inspiring Filipino stories whether it be in the form of narrative, experimental, or documentary.
The festival features new and recognized short films by various student filmmakers from across the Philippines. The primary goal for the student film festival is to encourage the youth in connecting with their respective communities through the film medium.
Below are the finalists for Piling Obrang Vidyo XVIII:
- An Eidolon Named Night by Hans Piozon (UPD)
- Conversations of A One Man by Keiko Carasig (UPD)
- “Dilim” by James Magnaye (Malayan Colleges Laguna)
- “ISANG ARAW KASAMA ANG AKING KALULUWA” by DLS-CSB ID 118 film student Sef Tafalla
- “Kung Alam Ko Lang Na Walang Katapusan Ang Katapusan” by DLS-CSB ID 118 film student Aki Red
- “Mga Salitang Inanod” by Gabriel Carmelo (University of the Philippines-Los Baños)
- “Nang Maglublob Ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag” by Kukay Zinampan (UPD)
- NO EXIT by John Patrick Manio (UPD)
- Out by Mary Claire Amora (Cebu Institute of Technology-University)
- Pig’s Game by ID 120 film student CM Bautista
- “RAMBUTAN” by Shayla Claire Perales (Mapua University)
- “Salamin” by ID 118 film student David Collado
- “Tara, Laro Tayo!” by Ben Francis De Lima and Patrick Demition (University of Santo Tomas)
- “Taya” by DLS-CSB ID 119 film student Xyron Parapara
- Waltz of Qualm by Francis Tavas (Far Eastern University)
The 15 selected short films will not be screened on the big screen, but will be available online for free as a response to the limitations and challenges Philippine cinema is facing today. Furthermore, they will be reviewed by an esteemed jury which includes film critic Jason Tan Liwag, actress Therese Malvar, and filmmakers Carla Pulido Ocampo and Ligaya Villablanca.
Moreover, the major and special awards of the festival include Piling Obrang Vidyo (Best Film), Best Direction, Best Production Design, Best Performance, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Editing, and Best Music among others.
Winners of the major awards will receive trophies, certificates, and cash prizes which amount to ₱15,000.
Aside from the competition, a film workshop series for the high school students of Pelikolektibo, the organization’s alternative film school, runs weekly from February to April 2022. The Pelikolektibo 2022 mentors include Filipino writer-director Dodo Dayao for screenwriting, Rappler’s Brand Integration Manager Tristan Zinampan for podcast criticism, film critic Richard Bolisay for written criticism, and independent filmmaker John Torres for directing.
UP Cinema cultivates a progressive culture through filmmaking, film appreciation, and film criticism.
Since 2004, POV has been a platform for student filmmakers to share their different narratives through the medium. Aside from the film exhibition, the finalists would get the opportunity to have their films be critiqued and awarded by a jury of established individuals in the Philippine film industry.
Don’t miss out on these important dates for POV XVIII:
- Feb. 18 to Apr. 22 - Film Workshop Series (for Pelikolektibo students only)
- Mar. 12 - Opening program and roundtable discussion
- Mar. 14 to 17 - talkback with the filmmakers
- Mar. 18 - Awards Night and afterparty
Join the POV festival’s official Discord server to get updates and interact with the film community.
You can also check out their official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated with the film festival’s happenings.
