The 6th Sinelamdag Independent Film Festival recently revealed its winners during the Pulon Sang Kasanag (Gathering of Light) awarding ceremony held on July 28 at The Farm Carpenter Hills in Koronadal City.
“Hutik sa Lasang,” directed by Benjie Roderos, was awarded Best Film.
It also garnered other accolades, including Best Sound Design, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Performance for an Actor, and Best Cinematography.
“Alamat ng Ilog Klinan,” directed by Victoria Sorolla, received the Jury Prize Award, Best Story, and People’s Choice Award.
The panel of judges included Mindanawon film director and writer Gutierrez “Teng” Mangansakan II, film director and multidisciplinary artist Elvert Bañares, and NCCA’s Head of National Committee on Cinema Mahar Sulayman “Butch” Ibañez.
The three short films – "Hutik sa Lasang,” "Alamat ng Ilog Klinan,” and "Saop Ka!" – were screened in Koronadal, GenSan, Tampakan, Tupi, and Polomolok.
This year's festival theme, "Myths and Legends of South Cotabato," aimed to bring the ancient folklore and legends that shape the region's identity to the silver screen.
“Hutik sa Lasang," was based on the ancient tales of Tuwaang, a mythical hero from the Bagobo tribe. Tuwaang's journey led him to the southern part of Mindanao, where he encountered the Tboli tribe in South Cotabato. Through this film, the heroic deeds of Tuwaang come alive, serving as a modern reflection of these timeless narratives.
"Alamat ng Ilog Klinan" details how the Klinan River got its name and its miraculous origins. It is intricately tied to the heritage of Fu Yabing Masalon Dulo, a National Living Treasure from South Cotabato known for preserving Blaan ikat weaving.
On the other hand, "Saop Ka" by Romer Prospero portrays a Meranaw story of injustice and revenge following the death of a Meranaw individual.
"The Sinelamdag Independent Film Festival serves as a cultural lighthouse for South Cotabato and Region 12, nurturing local talent and highlighting the area as a vibrant hub for the arts," said Festival Director Yen Morales.
In 2018, Morales founded the Sinelamdag Film Festival in Koronadal City. Despite the presence of event videographers and photographers, there were no dedicated filmmakers creating (independent) cinema in the city. Morales aimed to change that by promoting filmmaking through Sinelamdag.
The festival encourages aspiring filmmakers from the ground up by offering free film workshops and screenings. Additionally, Sinelamdag hosts acclaimed filmmakers and actors who inspire and teach participants.
Notably, the multi-awarded Mindanawon film director Arnel Barbarona conducted a free directing workshop, while actor Ping Medina offered an acting workshop during its inception.
For this year, the festival follows a "film lab" approach: it initially calls for story or concept submissions and then develops those ideas into films.
Unfortunately, the number of participants was low, with only three stories accepted out of the 15 submitted. Despite this, Sinelamdag continues to champion local filmmaking and nurture talent in the region.
"It hopes to boost the local economy through tourism, create employment opportunities, and emphasize the unique narratives and artistic spirit of the community," said Morales.
The 6th Sinelamdag Independent Film Festival took place from July 24-28, 2024. It also featured film talks and workshops to nurture emerging filmmakers and storytellers from South Cotabato.
Film Director Kyle Fermindoza conducted a workshop titled "Filmmaking through the Eyes of Regional Visionaries." Meanwhile, Mangansakan delivered a talk titled "The Director as a Visual Storyteller."
Additionally, actor Mon Confiado graced the event, to show support for this independent film festival.
###
0 Comments