A memory of Direk Francis

with Direk Francis during the GenSan Summer Film Camp, May 2013

   In his young and successful career as a Filmmaker, it was shocking to know that Francis Xavier Pasion passed away. 

   I first got acquainted with Direk Francis during the first GenSan Summer Film Camp organized by SalaMindanaw Asian Film Festival (formerly SalaMindanaw International Film Festival) in the summer of 2013. Like any other neophyte student of filmmaking, I immersed myself into it. The intense and hands on film workshop was overwhelming yet very enlightening. Along with other participants, we immersed ourselves in the world of cinema by learning, feeling and breathing films for five days. As what Gutierrez Mangansakan II, the Workshop Director, said: “In the end, we don’t want to be merely FILL MAKERS – we want you to become thinking FILMMAKERS. 

   As one of the mentors of the film workshop, Direk Francis shared his experiences in filmmaking. He told us how hard to make a film and also points out its rewarding part. He also shared some tips in story development, as he said, “In making films, the story should be base in the real world – that you have a connection with the story – a story that you are familiar with.” One thing I would never forget about his lesson was the word “bali”. This “bali” is important in developing or writing screenplay. This word aids me to be critical about my stories. 

   Even though we did not have a long one-on-one conversation, I cherish those moments where he taught us valuable lessons in filmmaking. His lessons as well as his filmography are consciously and subconsciously embedded in our minds. In his brief yet meaningful stay on Earth, I am thankful that I was his student and he was my teacher.

   Thank you Direk Francis. 

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Who Killed Philippine Cinema?: Pepe Diokno at TEDxADMU

photo by Excuse my French

Repost: "How open is the window by which we view the world? Pepe Diokno is a motion picture director, producer and screenwriter. He was awarded in the Venice Film Festival a Lion of the future award for his debut film, Engkwentro. Let's take a peek through his lens"

"He grows the nation by showing us what we need to see"

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MSU EdTech Film festival: As one of the strategies for learning

Prof. Precy Regalado and her students during the 3rd MSU EdTech Film Festival

photo by Farrah Princess Restuaro

   Film is not only use as a medium for artistic expression and social action. The educators also use it as a medium for instruction. The College of Education in Mindanao State University-GenSan has this subject called Educational Technology (1 & 2). The class of Prof. Precy Regalado and Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday has this unique approach in dealing this subject. They use film as one of the learning tools for their students. 

   Three years ago, Prof. Regalado conceptualized the MSU EdTech film festival to showcase the creative outputs of her students. In its third year, the festival has its theme called “A tapestry of SOCSKSARGEN’s culture and beliefs”. Its objectives are to develop the talents and skills of students in filmmaking; and to promote the cultural values and beliefs of tri students in MSU. “The film activities that we have conducted will make my students globally competitive educators in the future,” Prof. Regalado says. The festival was held last March 15, 2015 at SM GenSan Trade Hall 2. As expected, it was successful and produced promising filmmakers in Region XII. 

   “This course focuses on the development of earning packages by utilizing the latest information and communications technologies in their design, production, and use in the instruction setting. It will expose the students to the multimedia applications in teaching and to alternative systems by making use of the MOLE, Computer-Based Instruction, online learning activities, Treasure Hunts and Web Quests, and the Intel Teach to the future pre-service curriculum as avenues for both teaching and learning.” 

   The festival has two categories – the short film category and short documentary. Nasser, a story of a lad who is torn between his education and familial obligation, won the coveted Best Film in short film category. While Abyan (Companion) won the Best Short Documentary not only in EdTech Film Festival but also in the 14th Kabantugan Awards. Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, the Director of Nasser and Farrah Princess Restauro, the Director of Abyan, are not timid to share their experiences in filming their first short films.

Chiriath, the Director of Nasser, shares his experience in filmmaking.

   The stories of both films were conceptualized during their brainstorming session with their group mates. “In our meeting we share stories. At first we have a story and presented it to Maam Diane, our consultant and Adviser, but she rejected it because it was a common one,” says Chiriath. “We meet again and think of a better story. Until one of my classmates shared about the story of his brother who had experience training in MILF camp. Maam Diane likes it and we pursue the story.” 

   “We have also brainstorming session with my group,” says Farrah. “We have a series of meeting to come up with the best story for our documentary. Until one of our classmates shared about his brother-in-law. We presented it to Maam Precy and she approved it.” 

   Just like other groups in their class, they have also contributed some amount to materialize the project. They have also asked for solicitations and sponsors to cover expenses. In the case of Chiriath, Barangay Pananag in Maasim Sarangani Province supported their project. Since most of their scenes were shot there, the barangay and its people extends their help to their group and provided logistical support. On the other hand, Farrah’s team has also received support from the people that they have collaborated. Through their participation and guidance they are able to make their documentary. 

   Nasser’s theme becomes apt in today’s peace process condition. The Mamasapano incident became their motivation to pursue their film project. “In our film, we want to share that war is not the solution to attain peace. As what Nasser, the protagonist of the film says – ‘War is not the solution to achieve peace, it’s better to be educated,’” Chiriath points out. 

   “One of our unforgettable experiences while filming Nasser was when the actor mistakenly identified as an army because he’s wearing a camouflage. We were really nervous that time because we are in the territory of the MILF. But we are thankful that the brother of my classmate was there to explain our purpose in the area,” Chiriath recounts.

Farrah, the Director of Abyan, entrusted her faith in God to finish his first short film.

   In the case of Abyan, faith is their reason why they make their documentary. “The cultural belief in superstition is embedded deeply into our culture that it’s difficult to unravel,” says Farrah. “Before we conduct our interview, we start with a prayer.” During the shoot, they felt the presence of the Abyan. For example, their DLSR camera would shut down for no particular reason. There’s one instance that their camera would easily overheat. Faith in God serves as their protection in making their project. “It needs faith to believe,” Farrah declares. 

   In shooting their first film, they have learned lessons that they would never forget. “We learn to be patient, to have perseverance, to give trust to each other and most especially to have faith in God. We never surrender despite the challenges we have encountered,” recounts Farrah. 

   “Through making our short film, we learned to listen to the ideas of our group mates. We learned that unity is the best option we have to make if we want to succeed in this project,” says Chiriath. 

   Their efforts were paid off when they won the top awards. Both of them did not expect the decision of the juries of the film festival. 

   “I’m not expecting that we’re going to win,” says Chiriath. “It’s an unexpected moment.” 

   “We did not expect that we would get the Best short documentary award,” says Farrah. “We are thankful that most of the audience during the event are happy and said that our film is unique.” 

   I admire their courage in pursuing their stories for their films. In the case of Nasser, their short film is one of the proactive ways in advocating peace in Mindanao. In the case of Abyan, I salute them for being brave in pursuing the story despite the supernatural incidents they have encountered. 

   “In spite of harsh criticisms you get, stand what you believe is right,” says Chiriath. “Share stories that have impact to the lives of the viewers.” 

   “We should give our best,” Farrah says. “We should never surrender in the challenges we encounter. We should have faith in Him.”

PRODUCTION TEAM of Nasser 

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof.Diane Mae Ulanday

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday

Production Staff

Name	Position
Marjorie Barrientos	Leader/ Technical Director
Farrah Princess Restauro	Director
Joderic Lebrita	Assistant-Director
Reena Mae Lustan	Director of Photography
Earl Precious Gem Neri	Asst. Director of Photography
Fetche Mae Benlot	Production Manager\ Asst. Art Director
Ria Bayato	Art Director
Queenie Aringa	Assistant Art Director
Shiny Osorio	Location Director
Shirly Joy Kiyugan	Assistant Location Director/ Secretary
Justine Deramon	Make-up Artist
Excel Grace Gamolo	Make-up Artist/ Food Committee
Jade Duran	Make-up Artist
Ariane Tambukong	Make-up Artist
Almira Yusop	Wardrobe/ Food Committee
Prexy Humang-it	Wardrobe
Kimverly Pabicon	Wardrobe/ Treasurer
Julie Ann Babao	Food Committee
Mary Barbie Ronulo	Food Committee
Belinda Domingo	Script Writer
Esther Pujol	Food Committee

originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog 

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Bryan Wong’s ‘Hulugway sa Mamumuno’ and his image of creativity

   When I first heard the name of Bryan Wong, I thought he was a six generation Hong Kong/Taiwanese Film Director. When I got the chance to meet him in person, I am amazed on how this guy manages to shoot his first film using only one camera. If you watch his Hulugway sa Mamumuno (Portrait of the murderer), you will get amaze of its technical aspects knowing that he has no background in filmmaking. Along with our conversation, he shares many great stories that can contribute to the peace development here in Mindanao.

   Bryan Glenn Wong or simply Bryan is a multi-talented artist that has lots to offer. Aside from being a filmmaker, he is songwriter, composer and a singer who likes to share his talents for the glory of God. His first project was the Magandang Umaga SOCSKSARGEN jingle of ABS-CBN GenSan as recommended by his friend, Joey C. He also composed the official theme song of Glan entitled Lungsod sa Glan. He is also a member of Filipino Composers Development Cooperative (FILCOMDEC) and participated in the KBP’s Pop Music Festival. 

   Since the municipality of Glan loves his works, he was commissioned to make the centennial song of the municipality. He wrote and directed the music, lyrics as well the music video of the 100 years centennial song of Glan. “I am thankful that the people loved it. They express their appreciation thru sharing the music video in different social networking sites,” Bryan says. 

   Bryan has no formal training in making music video or film. He makes time to do his research and watch tutorial videos in Youtube. “When I made the two music videos, it has only minimal (or without) cost and a DSLR camera. The help and support of my friends also contributes to the success of the two music videos. I made those music videos for the love of Glan.”

   He describes himself as “one man army”. He is the Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor and Musical Scorer/Composer, Singer and Actor of his works. Most of his promotional projects in Glan have no compensation. He helps promotes the municipality without asking for any monetary return. 

   During the ‘Gabi ng Parangal’ event of the municipality’s centennial anniversary last year, Bordee Carillo, the festival director of Lantawan SOCSKSARGEN Film Festival (LSFF), saw his works playing in the projected screen. Bordee loved it, and he encouraged Bryan to join the film festival. “At first I was hesitant to join because I do not have the knowledge as well as the experience to shoot a film,” as he recounts. “But later on I realize that I should give it a try. It was a blessing in disguise.” 

The car scene from 'Hulugway sa Mamumuno'
Photo by Bryan Wong 

   The concept of his film was derived while he's driving. “When I was driving to Glan, I was thinking that what if you hitch someone that has crooked mind. Before you realize it, it’s too late for you to escape. It’s a hitchhiking gone wrong,” says Bryan. 

   Bryan also encountered challenges in making his first film. “We encountered many challenges before and during the shooting of my first film. Just what I said, I do not have idea or training in filmmaking. Some people said that it is difficult for me to shoot a film if I do not have a camera. But I did not mind them and continue to shoot my first film. When I won in LSFF, they were shock because I successfully surpassed all the challenges in filmmaking and I got the major awards,” Bryan says. 

   Through his genuine passion, unique vision as well as faith in God, he proves that he can make a good film. “I am really blessed by our Almighty God,” says Bryan. “I felt like it was an easy task to do.” 

   Bryan did not expect the reaction of the audience during its premiere in LSFF. “I am thankful that many viewers appreciated my film. I did not expect that they loved it. Some of the filmmakers got amazed because I only used one camera in the film. They thought I have many cameras since I shot the car scene in multiple angles.” 

   Because of this, he receives lots of praises from the audience. “I am not used to praises. I am just a neophyte. I just gave my best.” Moreover, he feels honored that the juries of the said event recognized his efforts. “I feel fulfilled when LSFF recognized my efforts. I am glad that they appreciate my work. For me the awards that I got from the film festival were just a bonus. The important thing is that, I share my talent in a positive manner and make the people entertained.” 

   He also dedicated his Best Director award to his fellow filmmakers in the event. “I did not consider my fellow filmmakers in LSFF as competitors. I treat them as my brothers and sisters,” Bryan stresses. “Let’s create films for the benefits of our society.” 

   Before these recognitions came, he experienced the life that has no clear direction. He was drunkard and always party a lot. He does not take full responsibilities of his action and has no communication to God. “All of these events in my life change when I get diagnosed with Ulcer. It’s a turning point of my life. I realized many things and I reconnect to God.” 

   Bryan is a good man now with a clear purpose in life. He is active in his church and created a band to sing the words of God. Most of his works benefits the people he helped. “I usually create songs, music videos and films that are sensible and can enrich the lives of the people,” Bryan says. 

   Bryan is a fighter and a risk taker. He is not afraid to gamble in life’s opportunities. “The more difficult the task or project, the more I get challenge. There is always something that we can do.”

   In the near future, he would like to make more films that are entertaining and at the same time have lessons embedded in it. His second short film will be an action thriller based on real events. 

   “It’s not a hindrance if you do not have resources or equipment. As long as you have the passion, the vision and a positive mindset, you will be successful in making films,” as he advice.

His first short film garnered the Best Director, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Production Design
in the 1st Lantawan SOCSKSARGEN Film Festival held last year in GenSan.

Originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog 

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GenSan holds the first LSFF

   The SOCSKSARGEN Center for Film Arts, Inc. (SCFA) in partnership with the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Open Space Cinema Foundation conducted the first Lantawan SOCSKSARGEN Film Festival (LSFF), last January 16-19, 2015 at the Oval Plaza General Santos City. 

   LSFF showcases different films from Region XII and other parts of Mindanao. SCFA Chairman of the Board and LSFF Director Dennis “Bordie” Carillo says, “LSFF aims at providing the opportunity for local talents to showcase their innovations, creativity, originality, but not implying an expensive production of their masterpiece, yet, demonstrating the rich ingenuity and quality use of the medium of digital filmmaking.” Further, he declares the two categories in competition: the Sine SOCSKSARGEN and the Sine Mindanaw. 

   Sine SOCSKSARGEN qualifies the filmmakers within Region 12 – the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The entries should contain themes or topics which have relevance to Region 12 culture - the place and its people. On the other hand, the Sine Mindanaw opens the competition to filmmakers anywhere in Mindanao, except in Region 12. An added feature of the festival is the Cinema Rehiyon Reloaded, a collection of selected films from the film festivals in various regions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These films are gathered and shown for exhibition during the festival, but they are excluded from the competitions. 

   Lafis ni Efung by Jordan Manua gets the Best Film and Best Cinematography award. As the festival juries cited, "The film is awarded for its deceptively uncluttered plot in its portrayal of a young protagonist in a journey, both physical and psychological, that slowly unravels layers of meanings in a humane and simple way." 

   Bryan Wong is awarded as Best Director for his film Halugway sa Mamumuno. His film also garners Best Editing, Best Production Design and Best Sound. Angelo, Ang Batang Ama by Andriel Evidente gets the Best Screenplay. The Best Actor is awarded to Kris Evidente (Angelo, Ang Batang Ama) and Daryl John Rey Batilo (Puting Panyo) while the Best Actress is given to Christine Lapidez (Kaugmaun) and Astrid Hernandez (Mga Patay na Bitoon). Ang Pagpukaw Sa Akong Damgo by Arnel Barbarona is declared as Best Film in Sine Mindanaw category. As cited, "The film is chosen For soaring into poetic flights about love, loss and redemption, using real geographies, as well as cutting edge mobile phone technology." 

   “Through the holding of film festivals, the viewers will become aware that ours is one culture to be proud of, and we take pride of being Filipino, “Carillo adds. The LSFF belongs to one of the ten accredited regional film festivals in the country that officially receive support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) every year.

Originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog

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The turning point

'Jamir' – was the title of my second short film. So far, it was the turning point of my career as a filmmaker. Why I say so? Because making this short film taught me a memorable lesson that is useful in my future projects. 

The film is about a boy who is torn between his familial obligations and his education. ‘Jamir’ is somewhat my statement about the peace agreement between MNLF/MILF and the Philippine Government. This short film was supposed to be premiered in foreign film festivals. Unfortunately, it did not make it nor should I say I did not submit it because of the “disastrous” outcome of it. 

I felt disappointed because of many reasons. One of the main reasons was I collaborated with the wrong people. That time, I was so overwhelmed by the idea of collaborating with Andrei Karoly Hernandez (a.k.a. Amaya Han) and my batch mate in GenSan Summer Film Camp 2013, Meika Vieve Catog (a.k.a. Lady M Chua). I thought they were good as a team in the film project. It turned out to be the opposite. 

My instinct told me not to pursue it because it shown signs like they did not read the script before we shoot the film. But I did not mind it because I was too stupid in clinging in such idea. I’m expecting that they’re good because Amaya Han is a film student in San Carlos University (in Cebu City) and Meika is a Mass Communication student in New Era University (Manila). 

That stupid mistake led to a domino effect type of disaster. I don’t mean to be a whiner here or to play the blaming game but after our shoot I was a bit depressed because of its outcome. I contacted them for several times. All they have were excuses implying they’re not interested anymore. I contacted them due to the fact that the film is problematic in terms of its technical aspects. I don’t know why they acting that they are not part of the film project. 

Instead of stressing myself of contacting them, I made a plan B to fix it. Instead of reshooting the film (as suggested by Teng Mangansakan), I only reedited it. My sister (who is the Producer of the film) and I decided to move on with it. If someone asks about the project, we never say any remarks on it. 

We are thankful that Teng Mangansakan considers ‘Jamir’ for the 2014 SalaMindanaw International Film Festival. And because of this, I submitted the film to the 10th Mindanao Film Festival and it was nominated for Best Film (in short film category). 

Even though they are spreading bad rumors about us, my sister and I don’t give a damn on it. We already moved on and looking forward to make the next film project. Because of this experience, we now assess our collaborators before a project begins. We really learn our lesson. 

I write this blog because it’s part of (my) history. It serves as a reminder that I should be smart, strategic and faithful to my vision as Director. It serves as proof that I should collaborate with people with the same wavelength as mine. This is not the sign of bitterness but enlightenment. I write this piece because I moved on.

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8 Things About Salamindanaw

The second edition of SalaMindanaw International Film Festival starts tomorrow, November 27. Here are eight things you need to know about the Festival.

1. The redesigned Festival logo features the durian –an enduring cultural symbol in Southeast Asia— with eleven protruding spikes representing the countries of the region. SalaMindanaw envisions to be an important platform in the development of regional cinema in Southeast Asia.

2. For its sophomore edition, the Festival theme shall be ‘Deconstructing Cinematic Space.’ As it continues to celebrate the development of regional cinemas across Southeast Asia, the Festival attempts to veer away from the traditional space of film screening, that is the movie house, and explore alternative and non-traditional screening venues like buses, parks, markets, and barangay centers to bring films closer to the people. The Festival’s main screening venue is in a university because SalaMindanaw recognizes the educational and cultural value of cinema. 

3. The Festival will launch a film magazine, The New Durian Cinema, which is devoted to the discussion of regional cinema in Southeast Asia. It is not enough that we show films, cinema must also become part of a critical consciousness. The magazine hopes to help in the formation of such consciousness.

4. The Festival boasts of the quality and integrity of its film programming. This year, more than 30 films of various lengths, genres and genres will be presented in the Festival. Films will vie for the Golden Durian Award in the Asian shorts and Mindanao shorts category. A Festival prize shall be bestowed to the breakthrough film in the new Philippine Next Cinema section. 

During its inaugural run, the Singaporean film Sayang Disayang (dir. Sanif Olek) had its world premiere in the Festival. It won the jury prize in the Festival. The film is Singapore’s official entry to the Oscars in 2015. Other notable films in the Festival last year include By The River (dir. Nontawat Numbenchapol) which won a special mention at Locarno, Liberta (dir. Kan Lumé) which bagged a special mention in CINDI (Seoul) while War is a Tender Thing (dir. Adjani Arumpac) took home a special mention from Yamagata.

5. Relying on its vision and integrity, the second edition of SalaMindanaw is crowdfunded which means that much of its funding is in the form of donations from its supporters all over the world. 

6. The Festival is a cultural investment for the development of the people of Gensan and the region. The aim is expose more people to diverse cinema as well as educate and provide them the opportunity to better understand the world they inhabit. For this reason, all screenings and parallel activities are free to the public.

7. It is helmed by one of the most important filmmakers in Southeast Asia – Teng Mangansakan. The Festival’s respectability and integrity partly come from who is running it. The vision of the Festival is built upon clear goals and objectives borne out of the Festival Director's instinct, experience and foresight, and the trust and confidence of the Festival Team.

8. The Festival is advised by some of the most distinguished personalities and brilliant minds in world cinema such as Philip Cheah, vice president of NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) and past consultant of the Dubai International Film Festival and Directors Fortnight at Cannes; Paolo Bertolin, Venice International Film Festival delegate for Southeast Asia and consultant of the Doha Film Institute; and Sherad Anthony Sanchez, creative consultant of Cinema One Originals.

This blog post is originally posted in Morofilm by Teng Mangansakan 

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Mindanao Shorts of the 2014 Salamindanaw International Film Festival

These are the SIFF official entries for Mindanao shorts category

- - -

APASOL by Ryanne Murcia (Zamboanga) 

An afternoon of love and farewell as Mark and El, a gay couple, spend their last afternoon together wishing on a tree and waiting to fade with the sun.

KENA (Dream) by Anjeilee Pacuin (Gensan)

A T'boli girl in Lake Sebu sells vegetable to earn her keep. Everyday she only dreams of one thing. To get an education.

END OF WAR by Joe Bacus (Cagayan de Oro)

Set in 2008 at the height of armed conflict between Philippine military and Moro rebel forces, The End of War is a story of a family in Maguindanao caught in the crossfire of a war they never wanted to be a part of.

SAP'NG (Covering) by Rahil Maningcara (Gensan)

This is a story about a Shyree, a Maranao girl who only does what she loves to do to the extent of breaking the laws of Islam. Will she be able to realize her wrongdoings?

MGA PATAY NGA BITOON (Dead Stars) by Amaya Han (Gensan) 

A radio interview starts, welcoming the renowned actress Ash back in Cebu for their latest promotional tour. A question triggers her to recall her former lover, a French college student named Adrian, during her stay in the city years ago.

INUKBAN by Jamir Mallari (Davao)

A story of a man who covered his dreams because of the misfortunes in his life and how he opened it up again and succeeded.

JAMIR by Genory Vanz Alfasain (Alabel, Sarangani) 

A boy is torn between his familial obligation and his dream of having an education. What will he choose?

CRISELDA by Art Orillanida (Gensan)

A documentary that investigates the mythical story of Princess Criselda Simbara Ybarra of Spain, also known as the white lady of Lagao, General Santos City. Despite historians’ attempt to uncover the truth, there had been no solid leads until a woman named Jenny Lopez surfaced claiming to be possessed by the royal spirit. 

ABAKADA NI NANAY (Nanay's Alphabet) 

by Joni Sarina Mejico (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay) 

A 78-year old lady enrolls herself to school to learn how to read and write.

GOOD MORNING, JOEY by Monalyn Labado (Davao) 

19-year old college girl Joey mirrors the dilemma of most college students. To survive the life away from family and the everyday challenges to get through college.

Source: Salamindanaw International Film Festival Facebook Page 

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'Jamir' teaser pt1

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