Photo credit: CREATE Philippines
The idea for Fishy Dish was born during a brainstorming session with a small group of five creative minds. "We each shared random ideas based on our interests. For me, it was mermaids; others were inspired by themes like friendship," explains Maria Casandra "Cas" O Salarza. This collaborative process led to the creation of Fishy Dish, a student film she developed as part of her final project for her second-year courses in Principles of 2D Animation under Mr Patrick Marlowe C Oliva, and Design & Production Process under Mr Jhon Raymond U Macaraeg.
Photo credit: Animahenasyon
Cas submitted her film to Animahenasyon: The 2024 Philippine Animation Festival, one of the country's largest and most prestigious animation events, organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI). Alongside her entry, Shifting Shadows: Beast of Revelation, a film by her classmate Izabelle Viktoria D Caiña, also passed the Pre-selection process and was submitted for screening at the festival.
The journey to the festival's official selection was highly competitive, with industry experts reviewing all entries. Eventually, the Top 10 films were announced: three (3) from the Professional Division and seven (7) from the Student Division. To Cas' delight, Fishy Dish was chosen as one of the Top 10 entries, securing its place among the best student animations in the Philippines.
The screening of the Top 10 entries took place on 29 November 2024, at the Red-Carpet Cinema 3 in Shangri-La EDSA, Mandaluyong City, followed by a Q&A session. The highly anticipated Awards Night was held the next day, 30 November 2024, at the same venue.
Fishy Dish not only made it into the Top 10 but also claimed victory, earning Cas the prestigious Toon City Choice Award for her exceptional dedication and passion for storytelling through animation. This recognition, presented by Toon City Animation, celebrated her creative commitment and talent.
In addition to the Toon City Choice Award, Cas also won the Audience Choice Award. The heartfelt themes of "love" and "friendship" resonated deeply with viewers, showcasing her ability to craft stories that connect on an emotional level. These awards highlight not only her technical skill but also her unique storytelling ability, making Fishy Dish a standout film at Animahenasyon 2024.
Cas' success at the festival is a reflection of her dedication, talent, and passion for animation. As she looks to the future, she is eager to embark on the next chapter of her creative journey.
This achievement also reflects the immense talent nurtured within the Entertainment and Multimedia Computing Department of the College of Computer Studies at Xavier University. With a commitment to preparing students for success in the creative industries, the department is eager to submit more outstanding projects in the coming seasons—and hopefully, earn more recognition for its talented students in the future.