Three short films produced by University of the Philippines Cebu students and alumni were screened to the public with a talkback to celebrate their sweep at the Sinulog Film Festival, one of the highlights of the 2025 Sinulog Festival.
Organized by UP Cebu’s Lawak Sinehan, the special screening offered insights into the creators’ creative processes and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Two productions, developed under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Annie Perez-Gallardo for the Comm105 Multimedia Production course, secured the highest ranks among student-led films among 17 competing entries.
These are “Ukit sa Dapit” by Pandaya Productions that landed third and “Alsa” by Tunhay Productions that ranked fourth.
“Ukit sa Dapit” tells the story of Maye, an orphaned tombstone maker at Carreta, as she navigates the harsh realities of life.
The film also features an experimental animation at its beginning and end. It is also the animator’s first project.
“For the animation, we didn’t originally plan it. We only resorted to do the animation because of logistic constraints since we were having a hard time casting a grandmother,” shared Director Claire Enad in a mix of English and Cebuano.
Despite the challenge, “Ukit sa Dapit” bagged Best Playbill and received nominations for Best Director, Best Story and Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Sound Engineering and Musical Scoring.
On the other hand, “Alsa” by Tunhay Productions tells the story of Niño who makes sacrifices for his sister, Niña, who has a leg impairment.
“It was a 180-degree turn,” said Director Yza Empleo who narrated that they made major revisions for the festival from the original class requirement. The team worked with limited resources.
Empleo’s film received several nominations such as Best Story and Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
ALUMNI WORK
The third film screened was produced by alumni titled “Human sa Panihapon” by Ugmad Productions composed of new UP Cebu communication graduates.
It is a single-shot film that explores the reunion of two friends affected by development and corporate expansions in their area.
Director Zhynnon Mantos, who won back-to-back in the 2024 Sinulog Film Fest, said they wanted to convey a strong message through symbols and imagery.
“Each one of the characters has the upper hand in the conversation,” Mantos said.
Aside from winning first place, Mantos was also named Best Director and bagged the Best Story and Screenplay awards.
The film also took home Best Production Design and received a nomination for Best Sound Engineering and Musical Scoring, among others.
Mila Lagahit won Best Actress, marking her third consecutive win in the Sinulog Film Festival. Meanwhile, Alan Rico won Best Actor.
The public screening was attended by Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) Executive Director Elmer Labella, CCAD Dean Shane Carreon, and UP Cebu faculty members and students.
The Sinulog Film Festival winners were awarded on February 20, 2025.
The festival’s theme followed the theme of the 2025 Fiesta Señor, “Santo Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church.”
This article is written by Veejay Catadman of the University of the Philippines Cebu
