From among numerous entries from filmmakers across the country, 24 new films have been shortlisted as finalists of the 6th Sorok Short Film Festival (SSFF). Each of the works fully embodies the theme of “Pagbangon-Pagkapit, Paniniwala, Pag-Asa” (“Resurgence-Resilience, Faith, Hope”) which represents the focus of this year’s film festival.
The Sorok Short Film Festival is a brainchild of Philippine-based Korean businessman Jae Jung Jang who is the prime mover of the humanitarian organization Sorok Uni Foundation. Mr. Jang and the foundation set up the Sorok Short Film Festival to shed light on social issues and inspire the audience to help the underprivileged, while also serving as a venue for filmmakers to tell stories that do not have the chance to be told in the mainstream. SSFF Festival Director, multi-awarded writer-director Gina Marissa Tagasa says, “The SSFF is one with the Sorok Uni Foundation in promoting its vision of ‘A Philippines without forgotten neighbors.’ Through the films we showcase in the festival, we want to spread inspiration and hope and build a nation where every Filipino is important, where every Filipino matter, regardless of who you are.”
The finalists of the 6th SSFF include #SanaAllManok by Ingrid Jhaine Torres Rabe, Alpas by Nathan Llantos, Bakas by Jerlyn Padrillan, Batang Gala by Mark Umapas, Bigkas by Justin Abejar and Robert Llobrera, Cabin Fever by Reiniel M. Reyes, Handa by Ed Salupeza, Hello by Gem Roy Fuentes, Kados by Danilo Sembilia and Joemar P. Sacpa, LDR by Hannah Princess S. Dela Cruz, Liwanag sa Dilim by Felicity Anne Marababol and John Alfred Obille, Liwayway by John Francis Serenio, Lola Isa by Daven Angulo, Lupang Gitna by Aireen Remoto, Manunubli by Ruzzel Jogn Arzagon Palomillo, Mine by Roland Balan, Puwang by Angge Delos Reyes, Rasyon by Loyd Doron, Runner by Jaime Aventurado, See you, George! by Kevin Jay Ayson, Spaces by Paul Santiago, Usad by Billy Jake Cortez, Sitio Lupang Pangako by Trent Joshua Asuncion, and Nandito Lang Naman Ako by Dexter Paul De Jesus. Viewers can watch these films on the Sorok Short Film Festival Facebook page and YouTube channel. The entries with the most Facebook reactions and YouTube views will be picked as the recipient of the SSFF Viewers’ Choice Award.
The jury composed of Ms. Tagasa, independent filmmaker Arvin Belarmino, celebrated TV and film actress Princess Punzalan, photographer and filmmaker Arjanmar H. Rebeta, and globally- acclaimed filmmaker Ralson Jover, is tasked to select the Top 3 that will be given Php 100,000 (first prize), Php 50,000 (second prize) and Php 30,000 (third prize). Awards and special prizes will also be handed out to the winners of Best Screenplay, Best Performance, and Best Director.
All the winners will be announced through an Awarding Ceremony to be held via Zoom on December 18, Saturday, and shown on the Sorok Short Film Festival Facebook page.
“The Sorok Short Film Festival is pleased to have received plenty of entries. It only means that our theme of ‘resilience, faith and hope’ resonates with our cinema artists. Indeed, there are many good stories to tell during this time of COVID-19. Each one can inspire and be a channel of blessings to others during this difficult time,” said Ms.Tagasa.
