In partnership with

Cinemagis 9: Northern Mindanao’s sentiments and sensitivities By Stephen J Pedroza s a springboard for budding and from the personal to a more collective of our voices and aspirations shared established artists to tackle a wide experience where social issues could and celebrated beyond any competition The films ... Arange of social issues in Mindanao either be clearly seen or implied to there is — I would like to emphasize using film as the medium, Cinemagis has magnify tension and to 'problematize' that Cinemagis’s prime role, apart from ‘problematize’ curated motion pictures that have already the mundane and dissect it as giving away awards, is to celebrate the the mundane been screened and awarded in national and determination, pursuit, identification, harvest, the good harvest, the good international festivals. emancipation, tradition, poverty, life, ones. We may not have the school for and dissect it as Now on its ninth installment, love, and death,” he adds. filmmaking yet, but I hope we have the Cinemagis continues to serve as a platform Over the years, Cinemagis has grown humility and high respect for the craft determination, for young and professional filmmakers prolifically and Savior, who helms Xavier beyond any other reasons there are. pursuit, in Northern Mindanao to pour out their University - Ateneo de Cagayan's Xavier Northern Mindanao filmmakers create passion, stories, and filmmaking skills, and Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) these films because there is so much to identification, for cultivating the experience and growth as director, attributes this momentum show and share!” says the XCCA director. of local film audiences. to the dynamic presence and pertinent Cinemagis 9 shortlisted five emancipation, “Cinemagis 9 harvests new experiences talent of the filmmakers, cast, and crew, professional entries, 12 student films, tradition, poverty, that voice the terrain of Northern Mindanao's who come from various provinces and and seven special film features, which sentiments and sensitivities,” says festival cities of Northern Mindanao. were screened at the XU Little Theater life, love, and death. author and curator Hobart Savior. “Looking at the future, we hope and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 1 from “The films this year tackle issues that there would be more reflections January 25 to 28.

Acedillo’s Lando at Bugoy : Familial disconnect and taking chances A film review by Angelo Lorenzo he 9th Cinemagis: Northern Mindanao growing up in an incomplete family and Digital Festival opened on an impoverished home. TJanuary 25 with the presentation of Along with drama and subtle humor, nominees and the screening of "Lando at the heart of the story beats with familial Bugoy" (2016). love. Lando working overtime to earn so Written and directed by Camiguin- his son could receive the opportunity based filmmaker Victor Acedillo Jr, the to go to school despite economic film was one of the entries during the drawbacks is one revelation. How far the 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent father goes to care for his son reaches Film Festival. the extent where he discovers what they Set in the scenic backdrop of both need. Camiguin Island, the film tells the story Its depiction on issues concerning of a gravestone carver, Lando (played by the vicious cycle of poverty which affects ), who struggles to discipline Filipino families in similar situations is his rebellious son, Bugoy (Gold Azeron), LANDO AT BUGOY (2016). Hated by his teenage son Bugoy (Gold Azeron), a 40-year-old high school dropout one of the film's reflective theme. and maintain his trust and respect while Lando (Allen Dizon) tries to solve their familial disconnect by returning to school to watch over his son and take a Along with Lando's hope for a better second shot at learning. In the midst of the struggle between the two characters, an unexpected event changes making ends meet. everything. (Film still.) life for his son and Bugoy's realization of When the school principal tells his father's effort and measures to save Lando that Bugoy has been absent in back to school so he could keep watch had to cope with individual challenges and protect him, the film centralizes the his classes, and discovers him spending over Bugoy and make sure he attends his — Lando juggling with work, school, value of love and sacrifice as the firm most of the time with his friends in vices, classes. and his paternal responsibilities while foundation of a family, upon which trust, Lando, who wasn't able to graduate Much of the film revolves around the latter attempts to break free from respect, and empathy stand. when he was his son's age, decides to go Lando's relationship with Bugoy as each peer pressure and the frustrations of

CinemagisNorthMin 2 CINEMAGIS ISSUE

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL TEAM Project Editor: Stephen Pedroza Festival Writer: Angelo Lorenzo Layout Artist: Rico Magallona

Festival Director: Hobart Savior A revolution on Producer: Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts the mediocre stock Circulation: 400 Copies

here was a time when the Philippine and Hans can observe how overseas cope cinema reigned in its golden age. Christian with life working in unfamiliar places and TFrom the 1960s to the 1980s, viewers Andersen's cultures to send for their families back had been awed by the stellar performance “The Ugly home. With art as a priority, who could of Fernando Poe Jr, famously cheered for Duckling” — have thought that live action and animated his stunts and charisma in action films. specifically one characters could be incorporated well in Laughter came from the gesticulated which ascends the scenes in “”? Talent and risk and verbal humor of and songs character from rags to made some of these films possible and catapulted to stardom riches by winning the proved that Filipino filmmakers can reach after starring in a musical. Most fell in love heart of a wealthy bachelor far by their craft. with and or dame against the approval of the In a similar trend for nine years now, Illustration by Rico Magallona with their onscreen romance, feared latter's family? Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan's the Japanese invasion in Pepe Gallaga's Plots have been reused as the Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival magnum opus, and wept with industry plays safe, sacrificing talent to continues to feature the evolving talents when miracles had been falsified. achieve fame and fortune. and voices of budding and professional With the cinema much different However, miracles come with the new filmmakers. Among the 17 entries in now than it was before, it would take trend. In 2015, Jerrold Tarog's historical student and professional categories, this a miracle to bring back and improve its biopic of the assassinated Filipino general year’s films presented issues such as drug former artistry. There can be no mistaking marked proof that Filipino viewers want use, cultural differences, and poverty that the films earning big in a country to see films tackling different issues which encourage viewers to think critically where celebrity is prioritized more than that break from traditional overused and empathize with people in similar art are those produced only to keep the plotlines. The highly grossing “Heneral Even the annual Metro Film situations. Films like these reflect our industry running. Apart from the present Luna” belonged to the sort which Filipinos Festival began honoring authentic talents realities, good or bad, beautiful or ugly. mediocrity, films that have become famous could appreciate for its historical angling. in December 2016. The Yuletide season, To curb this promising rise of in the mainstream gave rise to recurring Tarog's film presented how leaders strive too, is an opportunity to appreciate quality exceptional pictures, as one senator love teams, shallow slapstick humor, to retain power and choose to betray their films, be it mainstream or independently- deems necessary, is to rob Filipino viewers and predictable typecasting. The trend fellow countrymen to stay in position produced. An emergence of filmmakers the opportunities to learn from issues includes recycled plot with celebrities while unknowingly risking the country to that endeavored to present relevant concerning our developing country. As (made famous by entertainment its downfall — an issue still prevalent in and relatable issues in their films, along films with such subjects can be used for oligarchs) effortlessly portraying common Philippine politics today. with new styles of cinematic storytelling, education in a nation with problems as roles, a mockery of prevalent issues, and Last year was a landmark for new deserve to be commended for setting diverse as its people's views, they should unsubstantial themes bereft of societal Filipino films that cater more to artistic this trend in the industry. The entries not be reduced. With a government that reflections. and aesthetic quality. Some had been differed from those released in the promises change, it is essential to uphold How many films in the mainstream produced independently and were previous years by comprising real issues the arts and support artists who can have been conflicted with the collision of recognized globally such as Brilliante happening among those overshadowed by awaken our social consciousness by and mistress, have elicited random Mendoza's “Ma Rosa.” With its timely the mainstream. In “,” cross casting glimpses of reality into their works laughter by the insensitive and insulting depiction of a drug-torn community, it was dressers aren't portrayed as objects of with cinematic language and creative humor of a boisterous cross-dressing recognized during the prestigious Cannes humor but as people struggling to keep finesse that speak to our core as Filipinos comedian, or have concocted the same Film Festival with Jacklyn Jose receiving their dignity amid the stigma set against — igniting a revolution on the mediocre formula of Charles Perault's “Cinderella” the award for Best Actress. them. In “,” viewers stock of the Philippine cinema. Celebrating films and their creators Looking forward to Cinemagis festival’s first decade By Angelo Lorenzo

fter attending the opening night of the new perspectives — in films and told this year’s Cinemagis on Wednesday, by their storytellers. “Northern Mindanao AJanuary 25, I managed to engage a filmmakers — they film because there is so brief conversation with Carlo Pailagao, the much to show and share!” exclaimed Savior. director of “Mama” to congratulate him for By this, Cinemagis has discovered and this year’s film festival. His film was one of introduced artists in the region whose the entries under the student category. I talents have been recognized in the foreign also wanted to inquire about his film as its screen. trailer showing a mother weeping with a In March last year, Germany’s 17th stranger on the street seemed dramatic. Landshut Short Film Festival included Carlo, an Electronics Engineering major Joe Bacus’s “Happy Fiesta” among the at Xavier Ateneo, initially conceptualized many entries from filmmakers around the “Mama” to fulfill a requirement for his world. This is an achievement which the English 41 class. With Carlo’s potential Filipino community can be proud of, along and decision to join, he qualified for the with Brilliante Mendoza and Lav Diaz and festival. His passion for filmmaking made their lauded cinematic pieces. Bacus, who me realize how anyone of any background previously competed in the previous years can become a filmmaker, a patron of the of Cinemagis with his entry, “Ika-3 Putahi,” visual and literary arts, and an advocate for also participated this year with his new short storytelling. VISUAL STORYTELLING. Cinemagis 9 shortlisted five professional entries, 12 student films, and seven special film film, “Tanya.” Three days later, at SM Cagayan de features, screened at the XU Little Theater (pictured here) and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 1 from January 25 to 28. A decade of Cinemagis looms ahead. Photo by Rico Magallona Oro City Event Center, XU Development As its scope recently expanded towards Communication senior Brian Anay echoed Pagaduan the Best Actress despite having Xavier Center for Culture and the the Caraga Region, we hope to see more the same sentiment during the awarding only four people worked on the film. Arts (XCCA) director and festival author filmmakers pursuing their passion to tell ceremony. Accepting the awards on behalf For nine years now, Cinemagis has made Hobart Savior explained that more than the stories, encourage artists of the same bunch of the cast and crew of Harold Villegas’s a venue for local filmmakers like Pailagao awards, Cinemagis celebrates “the good to follow suit, and for people who love films “Penpenhod,” he said in his speech, “There and Villegas to present the beauty of their harvest.” Cinemagis derived its name from — released locally or internationally — to is an actor within each of us.” He elaborated craft. As a festival for digital short films, it the terms “cinema,” which pertains to film support them and appreciate what they do. that if one truly has the passion and the also holds a venue for competition. But with and “magis,” a Latin word which relates to As long as there are stories to share and will to pursue this craft, fulfilling a film is the triumph each filmmaker has achieved striving for excellence. people willing to share them, and with plausible. He exemplified “Penpenhod” with their talents and films revealed to What Cinemagis genuinely upholds festivals, such as Cinemagis, to celebrate this which won Villegas the Best Director for the viewers, competition has become an through the years are the stories — the endeavor, film, like many forms of art, will the student category and neophyte Friah afterthought. overlooked, the odd, the unheard of, and endure and succeed through the years. jANUARY 2017 3 THE CINEMAGIS OFFICIAL ENTRIES Tackling a case on substance addiction, Professional Category “Iktad” by Jaybee Abadiez follows the journey of a certain Rogelio, a 19-year-old “Balot. Penoy. Asin.” by Julienne Anne who killed his mother while he was under Ilagan follows the story of 47-year-old the influence of illegal drugs. street food vendor named Fredo. The protagonist’s day begins at night as he “Para sa mga Nibiya (For those Who roams the streets of the city until the Left)” by Mac Kianro Maki Calo starts wee hours of the morning. One particular with a shot of a stranded couple, trying evening, Fredo meets different people to find a way home. The couple finally from various walks of life, a fateful finds a ride, ahabal-habal , going to a encounter that inevitably changes what “hopeful destination.” he knows and thinks about the world. “Subang” by Christian Alan Toring shows A film on friendship and resilience, kindness in a tender way. Toring writes: “Bandana” by Adrien Rey Manapil, “One fine morning, in the peaceful features Paeng, who, in the aftermath of community of Sitio Kalubihon, all of its Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City, finds residents are busy doing their daily routine himself in a rebellious life in the arms of before work begins. Manong Sorbetero is a new family. In his debut as the group’s inside his home, getting ready for another new commander under study, his faith wonderful day of roaming around and and fate are put to test as he finds out making people happy with his crowd- that his close and long lost friend, Edwin, favorite dessert.” is a prisoner of their group. “De Doubus Malis (Of Two Evils)” by Secrets mar Paolo and Ellie, married for Augie Marie Lao Don poses an existential five years, in Cloyd Winstanley’s“Libra.” challenge to the audience, referring to the In his film, the couple takes a vacation at proverb, “Of two evils, choose the lesser one. a beach resort wherein Paolo reveals a dark secret from his past that Ellie might

not be able to forgive him. But it turns On January 25, the opening and nomination night of Cinemagis featured a out that Ellie also has a secret of her own. screening of “Lando at Bugoy” by Camiguin-based Vic Acedillo Jr, one of the “Ang Ikaduhang Pagbalik (The Second full-length films during the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival of the Coming)” by Jeffrie Po explores man’s Cultural Center of the . Other special film features included Acedillo’s faith and religiosity. A young man, who “Kakampi,” Rodiell Veloso’s “Ang Wa’ Damhang Importansya sa Teleserye,” was hesitant at first to join a church Daniel Clark Cabantan’s “Handuman,” Aubrey Rocin Llamas’s “A Fading Heritage,” service, finally decides to change the Joeremer Bacus’s “Tanya,” and Jeffrie Po’s “The Soil of Dreams.” course of his spiritual life. Despite the absence of formal film schools in Northern Mindanao, Cinemagis Completing the five entries in the serves as an avenue to showcase the works of filmmakers from this part of the professional category of Cinemagis 9 is country. Over the years, with the support of various institutions, a handful of “Orpheus” by Orpheus Nery. The director Cinemagis films were able to romped away national recognitions and international explains, “Orpheus descends to hell to exposures. save Eurydice from the filthy hands of Hades.” THE CINEMAGIS Student Category GUEST LIST “Unsa ang Title? (What’s the Title?)” Mary Liza Diño-Seguerra serves as the chairperson of by Reyan Christian Amacna of La Salle the Film Development Council of the Philippines. She is a Ozamiz features an introvert boy who multi-awarded actress who has appeared in independent boards an apartment and a series of events happens leading to many and mainstream films. She bagged the Best Actress Award speculations about him. at the International Film Festival Manhattan New York and Best Female Performance at the Equality International “Bayuy (Home),” written by Philippine Film Festival for “In Nomine Matris” in 2012. Under her Normal University Mindanao’s Runaliza leadership, FDCP has committed to fund the construction Campos, presents a conversation Mary Liza Diño-Seguerra of the Nabunturan Cinematheque, a 100-seater cinema between Raya (a Manobo and a university house for screening classic and contemporary films. Liza student) and her newfound friend. The and her daughter Amara are guests of Cinemagis 9 in two talk about the Manobo culture and CDO. how to build relationships. Quintin Cu-unjieng was the head of the Media Desk of the In Karyl Jill Gonzales’s “The Last Letter,” Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2014. As a the lead character writes a letter for project development officer of FDCP National Film Archives, the woman he dearly loves. While he’s he is instrumental in the Council’s efforts to salvage and in melancholy and mourning, his friends come over to console him. restore the acclaimed films from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Inspired by a true story, Carlo Pailagao’s Quitin Cu-Unjieng Lawyer Karen Malaki serves as the festival director of the “Mama” explores the ardent passion of a ninth installment of Cinema Rehiyon, a flagship project of mother who will do everything to provide the National Commission of the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for her son in college. with the support of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. She also acted as the festival director of the Xavier Ateneo student Rod Villegas’s Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition or Nabifilmex, an “Penpenhod (Love)” challenges the annual regional film festival held in Nabunturan, Compostela audience to examine a reckless love story Valley every September. At Cinemagis 9, she will be joined of Willie and Louisa and its consequences. by her husband Heraclio Malaki III. This film stars two XU Development Communication students, Rey Anthony Felimon Blanco serves as the artistic director of Teatro Anacleto and Friah Pagaduan. Atty Karen Malaki Guindegan, the official theater company of La Salle and Heraclio Malaki III University - Ozamiz since June 2007. In 2002, he was a scholar “Katapad” by Liceo de Cagayan University’s Cindy Obenita and Vashtie of the Georgette Chen - Theatre Training and Research Cabana begins with a peaceful evening, Programme Scholarship Fund in Singapore for the three- where there lurk two mysterious men year Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) in the neighborhood. One of them at the Intercultural Theatre Institute. While in Singapore, he discovers something terrifying upon his acted in a multilingual short film “Café,” which was screened “awakening,” from which he could not in film festivals in Singapore, Canada, and Germany. escape. Resource Speaker: Talk on Production Design In “Moru: No Man’s Land,” Julius, an Ryanne Murcia is a young Zamboangeño filmmaker, artist with a de-realization tendency, Felimon Blanco known for his film “Apasol” (Chasing Sun), a finalist at the struggles to come back to reality after 11th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival getting into a surreal world caused in 2015. The same film won him the Best Actor Award either by his psychological disorder or an at Mindanao Film Festival in 2014, along with five more enchanted encounter in the forest. Moru nominations including Best Director, Best Screenplay, is written and directed by XU student and and Best Film. His works include the provocative “No theater actor Edmund Telmo. Ama Conmigo” (Love Me Not), which won him the Jury “Ilad (Deception)” by Carlos Peñaloza Citation at SalaMindanaw International Film Festival. navigates through a problematic father- Business Mirror’s Tito Valiente, in his review titled “New and-son relationship. One day, a tragedy voices, new eyes from Mindanao,” wrote: “Ryanne Murcia strikes and the son tries once again to Ryan Joseph Murcia is becoming the sophisticated chronicler of gay identities befriend his father. Will he be successful in Chavacano de Mindanao. A rarity in the indie world, this time is what the viewers should find Murcia has acted and directed in two of his best short out. films.” 4 CINEMAGIS ISSUE ‘Balot. Penoy. Asin.’, ‘Moru: No Man’s Land’ win best Cinemagis films By Stephen J Pedroza

he ninth installment of Cinemagis and Best Editing. Toring also got the Male Digital Short Film Festival successfully Star of the Night Award, together with Tconcluded on Saturday, January 28 the director of “Katapad,” Cindy Obeñita with an awarding ceremony held at the SM from Liceo de Cagayan University as the City Event Center. “Balot. Penoy. Asin.” by Female Star of the Night. Julienne Anne Ilagan and “Moru: No Man’s The Best Actor Award was given to Land” by Edmund Telmo emerged as top Carlos Peñaloza of “Ilad,” a film which victors from the roster of official entries. navigates through a problematic father- The event’s guest of honor, Film and-son relationship. Development Council of the Philippines Francis Cang of “Para sa mga Nibiya (FDCP) chairwoman Mary Liza Diño- (For those Who Left)” by Mac Kianro Maki Seguerra, in her message for Cinemagis, Calo won the Best Sound Scoring while said: “The FDCP is proud to be a first-time the Best Poster Award went to “Mama” by partner for the 9th Cinemagis Digital Carlo Pailagao. Short Film Festival in Northern Mindanao! Special citations were also given to We are very happy to support Xavier Camiguin-based Vic Acedillo Jr's featured University - Ateneo de Cagayan in their film Lando “ at Bugoy” (one of the full- celebration of filmmaking frontiers that length films during the 11th Cinemalaya capture the voices, aspirations, stories, Independent Film Festival of the Cultural and lore of Northern Mindanao.” Center of the Philippines), Rodiell Veloso’s In line with FDCP's goal of developing “Ang Wa’ Damhang Importansya sa and empowering regional film festivals, Teleserye,” Daniel Clark Cabantan’s Diño shared, “With a focus on themes “Handuman,” Aubrey Rocin Llamas’s “A of peace, gender, development, cultural Fading Heritage,” Joe Bacus’s “Tanya,” solidarity, promotion of heritage and Ilagan’s film follows the story of work together to develop the filmmaking Jeffrie Po’s “The Soil of Dreams,” and history, doing more and caring for 47-year-old street food vendor named industry of our region. Acedillo’s “Kakampi.” others, and life's funny contradictions — Fredo who doubles as a drug dealer at “Bandana” by Adrian Rey Manapil, a Cinemagis is a great avenue of exhibiting the wee hours in the city, reflecting on film on friendship and resilience, got the Celebration of filmmaking frontiers the lives of those in Northern Mindanao.” the bloody campaign of the present Best Trailer Award this year. The top winners will be featured Cinemagis and Xavier Center for Culture administration against illegal drugs. There were no nominees for the at the national Cinema Rehiyon 9, the and the Arts (XCCA) director Hobart Savior The filmmaker, who said during her Best Actor and Best Actress awards in the film harvest dubbed as “a detour from seconded Diño's message, adding that speech that she didn’t expect to get professional category. the Manila-centric movies,” to be held in this season reaped "new experiences that the top prize of this year’s Cinemagis, Tagum, Davao del Norte later this year. voice the terrain of Northern Mindanao's dedicated the award — besides her cast Film language from young filmmakers A total of 18 awards were given sentiments and sensitivities." and crew — to the people who encouraged “Moru: No Man’s Land” by Xavier during the ceremony, attended in by the “The films this year tackled issues her to produce a film with social relevance, Ateneo’s Edmund Telmo was awarded members of the judging panel, namely, from the personal to a more collective particularly, the Imoortals Productions led the Best Student Short Film and Best FDCP National Film Archives project experience where social issues could by Kagay-anon filmmaker Joe Bacus. Cinematography. development officer Quintin Cu-unjieng, either be clearly seen or implied to The vanity project patterned after the In “Moru: No Man’s Land,” Julius, Cinema Rehiyon 9 festival director Atty magnify tension and to 'problematize' the story of Orpheus, a legendary musician and an artist with a de-realization tendency, Karen Malaki, and La Salle University mundane,” he said. prophet in Greek mythology, “Orpheus” struggles to come back to reality after - Ozamis’s Teatro Guindegan director Keeping its promise of improving year by Orpheus Nery won the 2nd Best Short getting into a surreal world caused by his Felimon Blanco. after year, Cinemagis has been a platform Film award, along with Best Director for psychological disorder and an enchanted On the morning of January 28, for young and professional filmmakers Nery, Best Sound Scoring for John Uy, Best encounter in the forest. Telmo, a theater Zamboanga-based filmmaker Ryan Murcia in Northern Mindanao and by extension Editing, and Best Art Direction. “Orpheus” actor of The Xavier Stage, also starred in held a talk on production design and this season, the Caraga Region, to pour served as Nery’s third film in Cinemagis, Winstanley’s “Libra” as Paolo, together shared his experiences in making LGBT- out their passion, stories, and filmmaking following his “En Pace” (Cinemagis 2015) with his girlfriend, Jean Stefani Obsiana themed films. skills, and for cultivating the experience and “The Barrel” (Cinemagis 2016). as Ellie. More than the giving of awards and and growth of local film audiences. The 3rd Best Short Film went to “Penpenhod (Love)” by another cash prizes, the festival aims to promote “Ang Ikaduhang Pagbalik (The Second Xavier Ateneo student, Rod Villegas, local talents, voices, and culture. To this Breaking the façade Coming)” by Jeffrie Po. His film also won landed 2nd Best Student Short Film. It end, the Cinemagis jurors and guests This year’s festival shortlisted five the Sulyap Kultura Award for its portrayal also won Best Director for Villegas and shared some insights on ways to improve professional entries, 12 student films, of indigenous traditions and for its Best Actress for Friah Pagaduan. This film their cinematic language and aesthetics. and seven special film features, which exploration of man’s faith and religiosity. challenged the audience to examine a “The Cinemagis festival fosters more were screened at the Xavier Ateneo Little Cloyd Winstanley’s “Libra,” a film reckless love story of Willie and Louisa and opportunities for students and aspiring Theater and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 1 about the dark secrets of a young couple, its consequences to a tribal community. filmmakers in Cagayan de Oro to hone from January 25 to 28. Paolo and Ellie, won the Audience Choice Leading the nominations earlier, their filmmaking skills and share them “Balot. Penoy. Asin.” by Julienne Award and SM Choice Award. In his “Subang” by Christian Alan Toring from with an eager and equally passionate Anne Ilagan was hailed as the Best Short acceptance speech, he thanked the Oro Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute audience. Bravo to another successful Film in the professional category. It also Integrated Cooperative for producing of Technology (MSU-IIT) won the 3rd Best event and many more to come!” FDCP won Best Cinematography and Best Story. his film and he encouraged everyone to Student Short Film, Best Art Direction, chairwoman Diño said. Message

Greetings from the Film Development Council of the Philippines!

The FDCP is proud to be a first-time partner for the 9th Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival in Northern Mindanao! We are very happy to support Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan in their celebration of filmmaking frontiers that capture the voices, aspirations, stories, and lore of Northern Mindanao. In line with FDCP's goal of developing and empowering the regional communities, such a festival as the Cinemagis, fosters more opportunities for students and aspiring filmmakers in Cagayan de Oro to hone their filmmaking skills and share them with an eager and equally passionate audience. With a focus on themes of peace, gender, development, cultural solidarity, promotion of heritage and history, doing more and caring for others, and life's funny contradictions — Cinemagis is a great avenue of exhibiting the lives of those in Northern Mindanao. Once again, the FDCP congratulates the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan on its 9th Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival! Bravo to another successful event and many more to come!

Mary Liza Diño-Seguerra Chairperson, Film Development Council of the Philippines The Cinemagis Partners

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