A short film from Far Eastern University is competing in the sixth Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival Philippine category from November 12 to 16 in General Santos City, South Cotabato.
“Sa Gabing Tanging Liwanag ay Paniniwala” (Belief as the Light in Darkness), directed by Francis Guillermo, tells about a town captain (Soliman Cruz) who leads a search for townsfolk who continuously disappear into the woods. Determined to find out the reason behind their disappearances and where they are being brought to, he and his son (Dylan Ray Talon) come across a mysterious answer. Stefanoni Nunag and Sheryll Ceasico play supporting roles.
Guillermo, who also wrote, edited and designed the sound for the film, was elated upon learning about their project’s Salamindanaw selection. “It’s great to see a film festival sharing different perspectives, different cultures, different perspectives. Having our film participate in this film festival is a great honor,” he said.
The film earlier won honorable mention in the 30th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video short feature category. It also bagged Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Sound Design in the Indie Un-Film Festival 2018 Pamana category at De La Salle University-Manila and 2nd Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Production Design in the Sinepiyu XI Black Reel category at FEU.
Guillermo, who previously served as president of the FEU Film Society, was supported by assistant director Ipe Maglalang, production manager Ariana Yanice Napay, line producer Patrizsia Reyes, director of photography Rommel “Rocket” Ruiz, production designer Ron Alos, location manager Bwrentszon James Manalili and co-editor Zaire Andrade. Maglalang, Napay, Reyes and Ruiz are also FEU Filmsoc alumni while Andrade is a current member of the organization.
The film will compete with “Ang Mga Turo ng Gabi” (The Lessons of the Night) by Christian Rae Villanueva, “Dalit” (Poison) by Belle Kay Loyola, “Nangungupahan” (Who Rents There Now?) by Glenn Barit, “Palabas” (A Country in Moving Pictures) by Arjanmar Rebeta, “Mark & Lenny” by Gio Potes, “Kinalimutan Natin ang mga Bata” (We Forgot About the Children) by Gilb Baldoza, “Ang Lalaking May Regla sa Gitna ng Dagat” (The Boy Who Bleeds in the Middle of the Sea) by James Fajardo, “Huli” (The Last One) by Coco Oei, “Siyudad sa Bulawan” (City of Gold) by Jarell Serencio, “Whereabouts” by Kyle Francisco, “Kwentong Labi” by Joey Singh, “Sa Among Agwat” (In Between Spaces) by Don Senoc, “Old Thoughts in Tattered Paper” by Mina Cruz, “Breakdown” by Neil Gabriel Nanta, “Flower Codec Lotus” by Gio Lingao, “Katong Gabii” (That Night) by Jeremy Luke Bolatag, “Next” by Noah del Rosario, “Pulangui” by Bagane Fiola, “Tembong” (Connections) by Shai Advincula, “Consequences of Man” by Jeffrie Po, “A Monster that Feels Like Love” by Shamy Jailani, “Kadlaw’n” (Dawn) by Marl Joseph Cabanig and Jam Natividad, and “Ang Wa Damhang Importansya sa Teleserye” (The Unexpected Importance of Teleserye) by Rodiell Veloso.
Salamindanaw aims to raise awareness and promote international cinema with emphasis on strengthening the cultural ties between Mindanao and its Southeast Asian neighbors; to engage the public in both popular and critical discourse on art and cinema and their transformative power to shape ideas about society; and to create a development platform for emerging talents in Southeast Asia.
