Two narrative films made for Cinema Production classes under the Far Eastern University Department of Communication recently brought home honorable mention awards in the short feature category of the 30th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.
“Sa Gabing Tanging Liwanag ay Paniniwala” directed by Francis Guillermo and “Aswang” by Hannah Maur were among those recognized last August 6 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theater) from around 200 entries to what is considered the longest-running independent film festival and competition of its kind in the ASEAN region.
“We made our film hoping to give light to our own cultural mythologies. Being recognized by the jury was an amazing experience, but being able to share our film to a wider audience was the best experience Gawad CCP could ever offer to any filmmaker in our country. Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino at ang Alternatibong Pelikula,” Guillermo, former FEU Film Society president, said.
Maur shared the same sentiment. “The only goal I have for ‘Aswang’ is for it to be seen by different audiences and somehow be moved and inspired by it. We will forever be grateful to Gawad for recognizing our film.” Guillermo and Maur are both FEU Filmsoc alumni.
“Sa Gabing Tanging Liwanag ay Paniniwala” previously brought home 2nd Best Picture, Best Cinematography for Rommel Ruiz and Best Production Design for Ron Alos at the Sinepiyu XI Black Reel category last May 3 at the FEU mini-auditorium. It also won Best Pamana Film, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Sound Design for James Manalili at the Indie Un-Film Festival 2018 last July 21 at De La Salle University.
The film revolves around the continuous disappearances of townsfolk, prompting the local chieftain (Soliman Cruz) to find out who is behind it and where they are being brought. Upon conducting a search, he and his son (Dylan Ray Talon) came across a mysterious answer.
Meanwhile, in “Aswang,” little Ruben (Alvin Maghanoy) believes that Lilith (Lyka Dela Cruz), the beautiful lady in their town, is an ‘aswang.’ His world will turn upside down because of Lilith’s suspicious interest in his family. Gaye Piccio and Rowi Du play Ruben’s parents.
“Aswang” earlier bagged 3rd Best Film and Best Production Design for writer and FEU Theater Guild alumna Marygail Bueno Alcantara at the Sinepiyu 2018 Golden Reel category.
Other FEU works which made it as finalists to CCP’s Gawad Alternatibo are the short films “Ang Huling Bucketlist” by Bibo Ebuen, “Apo-Dios” by Victor Elijah Gador, “Bukod Kang Pinagpala sa Babaeng Lahat” by Lyxen Nicolas, “Dama” by Trisha Marie Antonio, “Langit, Lupa, Im Im” by Niña Rhina Datu, “Pag-uwi” by Tee Cabiles, “Slaughter” by Melvin Manguerra and “Tatsulok” by Athena Erika Tecson, along with the documentaries “Kolorete” by Hermie Alano, “Timbag” by Jamille Vivas and “Turo-Turo” by Martina Audrey Vicencio.
Award-winning filmmakers Pam Miras, Thop Nazareno and Zig Dulay judged this year’s Gawad Alternatibo for the short feature category.
As part of the 30th celebration of Gawad Alternatibo, ‘Trenta,’ an exhibit of previous award-winning works, competition judges, and other details about the event, is on display at the CCP Bulwagang Juan Luna (Main Gallery) from August 3 to September 9.
Indie Taktakans (forum) will also be held for three consecutive Saturdays, from 3 to 5 p.m., on August 25: “Maalaala Mo Kaya? (Mushy walks down Gawad Alternatibo memory lane)” moderated by Ed Cabagnot; September 1: “Archiving Pinoy Indie Cinema + Riding the Digital Dragons of Change + Alternative Platforms Rising” moderated by Ricky Orellana; and September 8: “Subverting the State of Things” moderated by Mae Caralde.
For more information, please contact the CCP Visual Arts and Media Division at (632) 832-1125 local 1504/1505 and 832-3702, mobile number 0917-6033809 or email ccp.exhibits@gmail.com.
