Broadcasting students from Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Manila are preparing to join more film festivals and apply for production grants after gracing several events organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

LPU Manila Central Student Government (LYCESGO) Secretary – College of Arts and Sciences Representative Gwyneth Zoe Madrid led her fellow Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting seniors Shadrach Corro, Maryzusie Gaspi, Patricia Lorein Morales, Mikhaella Navarro, Sam Pineda, Angelo Gutierrez Relucio, and Ellaine Sta. Cruz, as they attended screenings for UFlix, a platform for short films made by Filipino students, and a forum gathering student filmmakers and educators at the Cinematheque Centre Manila. They also represented the LPU League of Young Communication Artists and Journalists (LYCAJ).

“The FDCP’s UFlix gave us a glimpse of hope amidst the drastic situation of the Filipino film industry. As a media practitioner and a soon-to-be filmmaker, we must hold the line and produce relevant films that will continue to tell the stories of the masses, most especially the unseen and unheard,” Madrid shared.

Meanwhile, Relucio, who serves as LPU Manila Chorale Property Manager, echoed Madrid’s sentiments. “It brings potential information for students who wish to pursue this passion, and it presents an excellent chance for me to embrace and fulfill my ambition.”

The Cinematheque Centres nationwide screened films from different student filmmakers, film organizations, and production teams. With its aim to extend support for the industry, the FDCP is building a platform to provide support, and make resources more accessible in the academic setting. 

The LPU Broadcasting seniors plan to participate in the program as they have also wrapped up shooting their short films for their Production of Text for Broadcasting, Interactive, and Emerging Media class.

“Palit Ulo,” directed by Rizza Camingawan and written by Muriel Barcenas for Arim Productions, was adjudged Best Film among the POT Shorts while “Panyong Puti,” written and directed by Sta. Cruz for Alab Production, received the Special Jury Award.

Camingawan and Barcenas collaborated with executive producer Gaspi, assistant director Morales, cinematographer and editor Edrian Kagahastian, and camera operator Louise Althea Bukas. Sta. Cruz, on the other hand, got ample support from assistant director and co-writer Janil Versola, creative director and wardrobe stylist Rovic Ramos, director of photography Jonathan Ducado, videographer Cayler Filio, and editor Pineda.

Completing the POT Shorts are “Akala” from director and production manager Corro, assistant director Nica Mae Macam, writer Hanna Legaspi, camera person and editor Kiarra Faye Manlapig, and lights crew Jared Aguilar and Myra Contreras; “Ay?!” from director Allyiah Astorga, executive producer Madrid, assistant director Relucio, scriptwriter Marielle Valencia, DOP Jonathan Ducado, and actor Regelyn Toledo; and “Tikom” from director Jonnalyn Alday, producer and PM Navarro, scriptwriter Julce Marie Reyes, cinematographer and editor Miguel Serrano, and production designer Ayessa Emille Estrellado.

FDCP’s initiatives aimed at cultivating a new generation of filmmakers, such as the Academic Film Society and the Student Film Assistance Program, are set to be launched this month. The AFS is a program that will connect schools, colleges, and universities with existing film programs, film clubs or related student organizations.