Words by Stephen J Pedroza | Photos by Lea Luisa Cid
From the roster of 13 official film entries, “Ang Lihim ni Natividad” by Jasmine Limas and “Sangil” by Christian Alan E Toring shine brightest during the seventh installment of Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival in Northern Mindanao.
Under the banner of Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) of Xavier University, the festival shortlisted 4 entries for the professional category and 9 student films, screened at Xavier University Little Theater (XULT) and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 3 and 4 on January 21-24.
“On our 7th year, we have continued to strengthen this festival not only in terms of number of participating filmmakers but also to really deepen the experience of the audience—to nurture quality audience for quality films,” said Hobart Savior, XCCA director.
“In Northern Mindanao, we already have the passion and the stories to tell. We aspire that Cinemagis will not only be a collection of films but it will also be a string of inspirations, responsibilities, vision and growth for the filmmakers and the audience.”
The awarding ceremony was held at SM City Event Center on its last day.
Cinemagis winners
"Ang Lihim ni Natividad” (The Secret of Natividad) was hailed as the Best Short Film for the professional category. It also garnered 3 other awards, namely Best Story, Best Poster and Best Actress for Jed Miñoza.
As the third film of Limas, ALNN follows an unconventional love story set in Loon, Bohol with religious and cultural nuances questioning the foundation of the main characters’ relationship with one another.
Director Limas was a little emotional in receiving the top award where she summed up all their efforts from start to finish as product of “genuine determination.” She said that despite the lack of budget and equipment, she pushed through and believed in the integrity of the story.
“Always believe in your story no matter what. Go out from your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to explore,” she said in combined Bisaya and English.
“End of War” by Joeromer Bacus received the 2nd Best Short Film award, along with Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Director for Bacus and for the second time, Best Actor for Rusty Quintana. (Quintana won Best Actor for his performance in “Ika-3 Putahi” (Recipe No 3), also directed by Bacus.)
The 3rd Best Short Film went to “Bagabag” (Apprehension) by Adrian Rey Banaag Manapi in collaboration with Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Region 10 chapter. Best Sound Scoring and Best Trailer also went to Manapi’s film.
On the other hand, “Sangil” (Blame) by first-time filmmaker Christian Alan E Toring from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) was chosen as the Best Student Short Film and won Best Cinematography.
“Grasya” by Geffel Lou A Rodrigora and Edmund Mabanag Telmo from XU landed 2nd Best Student Short Film, along with the awards for Best Art Direction, Audience Choice, and Best Director for Rodrigora and Telmo. The Best Actor and Best Actress went to the protagonists of “Grasya,” Edmund Telmo and Lila Gianelli Ang, respectively.
Ang was also hailed as the Female Star of Night together with Harold Villegas of “The Bully Has Awakened” as the Male Star of the Night.
“Across the Universe” by Megan Louise C Hernandez won the Best Editing while John Uy of “En Pace” (In Peace) by Orpheus Nery won the Best Sound Scoring.
Although “Tingki” (Tiptoe) by Brian Adam Salvador Anay did not emerge in the top 3 list, it received a surprise award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) called Sulyap Kultura Award for tackling cultural understanding and solidarity in their work of art. “Tingki” also took home the Best Story.
Quoting Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, Carmela Aiana Dalangin said, “Whatever your religion, your status in life, your sexuality, your dreams are valid.” Dalangin plays a teenage Muslim and aspiring ballerina who chose to fight for her dreams in dancing in the midst of societal reprisals because of her faith.
Springboard for emerging artists
Alongside Cinemagis was SM’s Brilliante Mendoza Film Festival where his internationally acclaimed films “Thy Womb” and “Foster Child” were screened at SM Cinema 3 and 4 on Jan 22.
The award-winning director shared some tips to emerging filmmakers during the opening ceremony of Cinemagis on Jan 21. “Make the most the technology. Make the most of what we have today. But at the same time, do not lose the passion and the emotion to tell the story.”
As he recounted, “I was not able to make my first film at a young age because it’s expensive [back then]. You are lucky now that we are digital. You can even make a film using your phone.”
It is important for Brilliante that accolades should not get into the heads of young filmmakers. “Filmmaking is a work in progress, it’s not because nakagawa ka na nang pelikula eh magaling ka na (it’s not because you have made a film then you are already great at it).
“Always find an opportunity to learn, to grow. Hindi ‘yan natatapos (It does not end).”
Despite the absence of formal film schools in Northern Mindanao, Cinemagis has served as an avenue to showcase the works of filmmakers from this part of the country.
The festival also aims to promote local talents, voices and culture. To this end, the Cinemagis jurors, Arnel Barbarona, Felimon B Blanco and Orvil Bantayan, together with Savior and Bernadette David, NCCA project monitoring and evaluation officer, conducted a forum with the filmmakers to share some insights on how to improve one’s cinematic language and aesthetics.
Cinemagis alumni and new filmmakers have converged to form the Northern Mindanao Film Network, which aims to strengthen the ties and support with fellow artists.
On January 23, a technical working panel was formed, composed of seven people representing different groups and institutions in the region while XCCA serves as their host organization and executive secretariat.
Cinemagis served as the springboard for budding artists to tackle a wide range of social issues in Mindanao using the film medium.
XU president Fr Roberto “Bobby” C Yap SJ related to the young filmmakers the three key points of the undelivered speech of Pope Francis during his visit at the University of Santo Tomas: Challenge of integrity, concern for the environment, and care for the poor.
“Film is a powerful force and instrument of communicating what is good and what is true and what is real in our lives. Film is actually a way to do this great work that [Pope Francis] talks about of renewing our society and building a better world.”