IndieSiyensya 2025 Calls for Soil-Themed Film Entries

After the success of its 8th edition, the 9th IndieSiyensya Science Filmmaking Competition is now open for entries, centering on the theme “Halik sa Lupa” (Kiss the Earth).

This year’s competition invites students, filmmakers and enthusiasts to explore the relationship between soil, life and humanity.

“There’s so much more to [soil] that we have yet to discover and explore, and we want you to look beneath and beyond the ground,” said Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute Director Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio during the launch at the University of Santo Tomas on March 18, 2025.

“Gusto naming tuklasin ninyo ang lalim at lawak ng kahalagahan ng lupa,” he added.

Cornelio also underscored DOST-SEI’s commitment to using filmmaking to spark public discussions on science and society.

“For this reason, we want to shed light on issues that bear social significance, and we want to communicate them effectively for the public to discuss, debate and dialogue,” he said.

The competition features two categories: Youth and Open.

Youth Category

The Youth Category centers on the theme “Buhay na Lupa” (The Living Soil).

Entries should be in science explainer video format and explain the science of soil, including its ecosystems, processes and impact on life.

This category is open to Filipino citizens aged 13 to 18, as individuals or in teams.

Entries must not exceed five minutes.

Open Category

The Open Category explores soil as “Yamang Lupa” (Soil as a Resource).

Entries should be in documentary format and examine soil’s social, cultural and economic significance.

This category is open to Filipino citizens aged 19 and above, as individuals or in teams.

Entries must not exceed eight minutes.

Interested participants can find the full competition guidelines at https://bit.ly/IndieSiyensyaMechanics.

Entries must be submitted by June 22, 2025, via email to indiesiyensya@sei.dost.gov.ph.

Five finalists from each category will be selected.

Finalist films will be screened at Cinematheque Centers nationwide from Oct. 7 to 11, 2025, and streamed on JuanFlix: The Film Development Council of the Philippines Channel from Oct. 12 to 31, 2025.

All finalists will compete for major and special awards.

The top three winners will receive PHP200,000, PHP150,000 and PHP100,000, respectively.

The Viewer’s Choice awardee will receive PHP20,000.

IndieSiyensya, the country’s only science filmmaking competition, is jointly hosted by DOST-SEI and the FDCP.

It aims to foster creativity and environmental advocacy among youth and spark public interest in science and science communication.

For more information, visit https://web.facebook.com/dostseiindiesiyensya.