Bacolod filmmaker earns Sinag Maynila Best Picture nod

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Bacolod filmmaker VinJo Entuna continues to make waves in the national film scene as his short film Sa Pwesto ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair) earned a Best Picture nomination in the Open Category of the prestigious Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2025.

The recognition was announced during the festival’s Gabi ng Parangal Awards Night held on September 28, 2025, at Cinema 11, Gateway Mall 2, Quezon City.

While the film did not win the top prize, the nomination marks another important milestone in Entuna’s growing career.

Earlier this year, Sa Pwesto ni Pistong was nominated for Best Picture and the Jury’s Choice Award at the Hundred Islands Film Festival 2025, and Entuna was named Best Director at the Pangasine Film Festival 2025.

The film remains in active competition at the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival 2025, with its awards night set for October 19, 2025.

Reflecting on the nomination, Entuna emphasized his commitment to telling stories of the marginalized.

“For so long, Bacolod cinema has been monopolized by the stories of the hacendero and the glorified hacienda system,” he said.

“Through Sa Pwesto ni Pistong, we sought to give voice to the voiceless and remember those who struggled for the freedom we enjoy today. To my fellow artists, I say: disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed. The story of our people continues.”

He also extended gratitude to his collaborators and supporters.

“I am deeply thankful to my producer Benj Ramos, my fellow Bacolodnon and co-producer Joshua Fabricante of V1 Productions Inc., Crowning Glory Movie Equipment Services, and above all, the Bacolod taxpayers,” he said.

“This nomination is their triumph as much as it is mine.”

In a statement posted on Maragtas Film Production’s official Facebook page, Fabricante expressed pride in the team’s achievement.

“Together, we sparked a new chapter of Bacolod cinema—a cinema for the people, by the people,” he said.

“With continued support, we can build a self-sustaining creative industry in Negros and prove that our stories can stand toe-to-toe with those from Manila.”

Sa Pwesto ni Pistong continues its festival run as a powerful reminder of Negros’ history, resilience, and the enduring struggles of the working class.