Indie-Siyensya celebrates 10th year, calls for stories that humanize science

From the microscopic world to indigenous practices, science is embedded in the everyday life. For the past decade, Indie-Siyensya has brought these stories to the screen and showcased how science intersects with culture, livelihoods, communities, and individual aspirations.

Marking its 10th year, DOST-SEI officially launches the 2026 Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition with the theme “Science without Borders: Solutions and Opportunities for All.” The milestone edition invites Filipinos to tell stories that showcase science as a force that shapes lives, empowers communities, and drives meaningful change.

“Science becomes powerful only when it is understood, when it is shared, and when it reaches people where they are,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio during the competition launch.

Emphasizing this year’s theme, Cornelio said science should not be limited by geography, language, or access. Instead, it must reach people where they are through stories that connect scientific knowledge with everyday experiences and community realities.

Open to Filipino filmmakers, students, science communicators, researchers, and film enthusiasts, the competition seeks films that explore how science is understood, practiced, shared, and translated into action across different sectors and communities.

Participants may compete in one of the two categories. The Youth Category is open to individuals aged 13–18. It calls for stories that embrace “Science as Adaptation, Adoption, and Empowerment.” Submissions under this category must highlight how people use science to navigate challenges and improve their lives.

The Open Category is open for participants aged 19 and above. It explores “Science as an Enterprise: Structures, Systems, and Stewardship.” Filmmakers are encouraged to examine institutions, policies, and collaborations that enable science to serve society.

The competition’s board of judges will evaluate and determine the top five (5) finalists from each category. Selected films will participate in the Film Festival, with screenings at various Cinematheque Centres nationwide from October 6-11, 2026, and on JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel on October 12-31, 2026.

The Best Film winner will receive a cash prize of Php 200,000.00, while the second- and third-place winners will take home Php 150,000.00 and Php 100,000.00, respectively. A Viewer’s Choice Award worth Php 20,000.00 will also be given.

Interested participants may submit their entries until July 31, 2026. Complete competition mechanics, submission guidelines, requirements, and official entry forms are available through the Indie-Siyensya  and DOST-SEI Facebook pages.

A decade of meaningful science stories

Since its inception, Indie-Siyensya has served as a platform for aspiring and amateur filmmakers to communicate science in ways that are accessible, engaging, and relevant to the public. Over the years, the competition has produced films that explore diverse scientific topics while inspiring audiences to appreciate the role of science in nation-building and societal development.

“People may forget data, but they will remember stories. They may not recall formulas, but they will remember how you made them feel,” Director Cornelio said.

As Indie-Siyensya enters its second decade, DOST-SEI continues to challenge filmmakers to explore the human side of science—whether through stories of innovation in communities, indigenous knowledge systems, everyday problem-solvers, or the people behind scientific discoveries and breakthroughs.

With the theme “Science without Borders: Solutions and Opportunities for All,” the 2026 competition invites storytellers to create films that make science more visible, relatable, and meaningful to Filipinos from all walks of life.