52 filmmakers, 24 hours, one theme: ‘Biyahe’

ILOILO CITY — Three student-made films emerged as the top entries in the Film as Pedagogy: A 24-Hour Film Challenge, the lead-up to Cinematahum 2026, the annual film festival of the University of the Philippines Visayas.

“Going Nowhere” by DFD Pictures, “Guyod” by FunFun Lang Productions, and “Sikway” by Tifosi Tintindisarapin Productions were selected from 10 films screened at the UP Visayas Cinematheque Centre in Iloilo City on Oct. 4.

Their final rankings will be announced at the Cinematahum 2026 Awards Night on Oct. 24, following screenings during the festival on Oct. 22 and 23.

Organized by Sineclub, UP Visayas’ university-wide student film organization under the Division of Humanities, the challenge gathered 52 filmmakers to produce a three-minute film within 24 hours based on the theme “Biyahe,” the Filipino word for journey.

The activity opened on Oct. 3 with a message from Ilonggo screenwriter-director Kevin Piamonte, who reminded participants that meaningful filmmaking does not require a large budget.

He encouraged the filmmakers to find joy in the creative process, work within their available resources, and let their passion sustain them through the challenges of production.

Filmmaker and writer Professor Jose Ruel Garcia also led a film development workshop during the opening program, sharing insights from his industry experience and practical advice on developing stories under tight deadlines.

Garcia encouraged participants to look beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking and draw from personal experiences and a clear sense of purpose.

He outlined four principles of storytelling: sharing oneself, listening to others, approaching stories with empathy, and understanding why a film needs to be made.

He also challenged the participants to reflect on whose stories they were telling and why those stories deserved to be heard.

“Ang henerasyon ninyo ay hindi na bago sa pelikula. Bahagi na ng buhay nyo ang pagawa ng films. Ang hamon ngayon sa inyo ay hanapin ang PUSO ng pelikula,” Garcia said.

Translation: Your generation is no stranger to filmmaking. Making films has become part of your lives. The challenge now is to find the HEART of the film you are making.

On screening day, Oct. 4, UP Visayas Chancellor Clement Camposano expressed support for student filmmakers and the university’s efforts to nurture local talent and promote film as a platform for storytelling and creative expression.

The completed films offered varied interpretations of “Biyahe,” extending the concept of a journey beyond physical travel to explore personal transformation, relationships, difficult choices, and social realities.

Through their narratives, the student filmmakers portrayed journeys experienced by individuals and communities.

Participants came from schools across Iloilo, including UP Visayas, UP High School in Iloilo, the University of San Agustin, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Central Philippine University.