How love for dogs led two Filipino animation students to an international film festival

What began as a shared love for dogs has brought two Filipino animation students to an international film festival.

Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña, the creators of the 2D animated short film “RUNO!”, will see their work screened at the 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF)—an achievement they say still feels surreal.

The pair shared the story behind the film in the latest episode of GMA Pinoy TV’s Sparks of Joy.

“Actually, it started with me being a dog lover. I wanted to find a fellow collaborator who also has the same goals and views as me," Catolico shared.

Pateña, who became that collaborator, said the decision to make a dog the film’s main character came naturally.

“Dogs are the epitome of unconditional love, so that’s why we made RUNO as our main character.”

Beyond its animation, the two believed the story itself was what would make the film resonate.

“You can have the most amazing or most beautiful animation, but the story wouldn’t push through,” Pateña said.

Catolico recalled that RUNO! went through several changes before becoming the film it is today.

“RUNO started in 2024, I think. It was a really different concept than what we have now.”

The project was completed through teamwork and the support of people who believed in it, they said.

The invitation to screen the film at LAAPFF came as a surprise to both filmmakers.

“I think it’s unbelievable that we got RUNO—or we got into Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival,” she said.

Even as RUNO! opens doors internationally, the two are already looking ahead.

“After RUNO, we actually have our own separate films that we want to direct,” Catolico noted.

“We’re going on our own directional debut.”

She further added that directing RUNO! allowed her to tell a story that reflects Filipino identity.

“I had a lot of fun animating and directing RUNO because it’s really rare to be able to be given this opportunity to even direct your own film" she said, hoping more Filipino stories will find audiences beyond the country.

“It would be really nice to have that sort of representation be shown accurately and authentically.”

Meanwhile, Pateña also hopes their journey inspires aspiring artists and storytellers.

“It’s all about paying things forward because I know that the joy—not only for the Filipino masses all around the world—but also for the students, and for the dreamers, and for the creatives.”

For the two young animators, RUNO! is more than a student project—it is proof that stories born from passion can travel far, carrying Filipino creativity to audiences around the world. —LDF, GMA News