Wazzup Pilipinas!
Three short films produced by digital filmmaking students and recent graduates of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts were selected as finalists to the Cinemalaya Nespresso Vertical Shorts Competition.
"iTay" by Gian Arre, "Kasama" by Ira Lastrilla and "Pedro Pasahero" by Paulito Del Mundo Parohinog and Beatrice Molina are among the entries which will vie for awards in the new competition organized by Novateur Coffee Concepts, Inc., CCP and Cinemalaya Foundation.
A tribute to fathers and children, "iTay" follows a lonesome young woman who becomes overwhelmed with attention when a father learns how to use a new phone as a means to be a parent in this age. The film explores how some parents find their purpose in taking care of their children and how they may feel stripped of this purpose when they lose their family.
"Kasama" tells the story of Rica, played by Benilde film alumna Beatrice Ramos, who has just lost her job. On her way home, she recalls the moments in her life when friends and family lifted her spirits. She tries to figure out the reasons behind their actions until a chance encounter gives her a hint. Apart from Ramos, Lastrilla also got the support of fellow Benilde film alumni Remil Baylon as co-writer, Jaig de Guzman as cinematographer and Rachel Esperon as co-producer.
Meanwhile, "Pedro Pasahero" is about a breadwinner who faces the pressures of providing for his mother and little sister. When he decides to rob a utility vehicle, every passenger reminds him of what he is taking away from them. Benildean filmmaker and recent graduate Yves Publico served as cinematographer.
Completing the list of finalists are "Ratsky" by Ruby Rosa Baldevarona, "The Door" by James Edward Golla, "Takipsilim" by Benny Yunsay Pioquinto, "Love Others As You Love Your Selfie" by Arjanmar Rebeta, "SLN" by Brian Spencer Reyes, "Ako" by Jonel Revistual, "Kapit Lang" by Christian Borras Tan, "Braveheart" by Kevin Tuason and "Yakap" by Michael Sy Yu.
All participating films were shot using a mobile phone, with a maximum length of three minutes and in a vertical format (9:16). The theme for this year's contest is "pagmamalasakit" or empathy, which is a value most honored by Filipinos.
Competition finalists will be shown at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theater) on August 11, 10 a.m. There will also be a talkback forum after the film screenings to give the audience a chance to ask questions on aspects of film production. Moreover, it will serve as an opportunity for members of the production team to interact with the viewers.
The grand prize winner will receive 50,000 pesos in cash. The second and third placers will get 30,000 and 20,000 pesos, respectively. All of them will also take home state-of-the-art Nespresso machines and coffee capsule packages. Winners will be announced during the Cinemalaya Awards Night on August 12.
Apart from serving as a challenge to young filmmakers to share their stories through vertical video, the contest is also a celebration of innovation, passion, and excellence in filmmaking.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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