UPV student filmmakers showcase powerful narratives in their works

1 of 3

Nine emerging filmmakers composed of students from UP Visayas showcased their short films at the UPV Cinematheque, Iloilo City campus, on June 12, 2022.

For 2022, the Bagong Sibol Films, which altogether have a total running time of 132 minutes, are composed of “Nara” by Patrick Vincent Juanico, “Si Oddie” by Maria Kydylee Torato, “On the Rocks” by Gilleza Therese Francisco, “Always a Little Bit Mad” by Theresia Tenizo, “Aninaw” by Mary Paul Therese Agpalo, “Kabuhi kang Maaram” by EJ Obsina, “Itom nga Bugas Kanaryo nga Ugat” by Leonard Ian Billones, “Si Biboy kag ang Sigbin sa Siudad” by Hannah Britanico, and “Sayaw sang Buhi” by Rikki Lyn Dela Cruz.

This event aims to widen the reach of regional films, which advocate for stories that break the stigma and spark conversations on often neglected issues. The films featured also aspire to promote diversity in the national and international scene.

This is the second year for Bagong Sibol Films, which followed a successful launch of the first batch last year. They were screened at the Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Vidyo, Vidsee Juree Awards, NABIFILMEX, Cinemugat, Sinepeyu, Oroquieta Film Festival, Cinemapua, Cinema Rehiyon, and the SeaShorts Film Festival. The SeaShorts Film Festival is one of the most highly-regarded short film festivals in the world.

Bagong Sibol is a showcase of the films crafted in CMS 177 (Directing the Narrative) class under writer-director Arden Rod Condez at the Division of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences, UP Visayas Iloilo. Condez and Prof. Robert Rodriquez are also executive producers of the films. The project was also supported by the Creative Grants Window of the UPV Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension.

The films are available from June 5 to 15, 2022, at Ktx.ph for 99 pesos. (Ms. AL Ramirez/IPO)