• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The trailers for the 10 short films that will be shown on Sept. 12 to 15 at SM Bacolod and Ayala Malls cinemas, in line with the first Bacolod Film Festival (BFF), have been released.
BFF director Seymour Barros Sanchez said that “this carefully curated collection provides a glimpse into the diverse array of stories, voices, and cinematic visions that will take centerstage, showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers from Bacolod City.”
These films include Chelsea Tasic’s “A Flower A Day (https://youtu.be/0655ACcEWN0)”, produced by Dulaab Productions, in collaboration with Green Pelicans Studio and cincollabs. This is a story of a young woman finding solace amid the faded charm of a quiet, rundown café, and drawing the attention of an intrigued barista.
Charlene Mead Tupas’ “Aninaw (https://youtu.be/BsQjbkY1jn0)”, which she wrote and directed, is produced by Zone Studios. This film is about three friends embarking on a journey against the backdrop of an evolving city and their failing memory, in pursuit of finding the place where their deepest desires will come true.
“Blind Date (https://youtu.be/h29mUkar6tk)”, directed by Victor Villanueva and produced by Juan Carlo Miguel for JCM Films, is about two savvy social media stars getting set up, and struggling to meet up.
“Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things) https://youtu.be/a9hAnxz0Xuw”, is directed by Poli Gonzales and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa, and produced by Georgia Mari Elardo, Poli Gonzales, and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa (Kwentista Produksyon). Set in 2222 in the cyberpunk city of Bacolod, this film is of a teenager going through her usual day with her father, with no idea that the best surprise of her life was going to happen.
“Glub (https://youtu.be/1dOlsu71FIU) is directed by Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa and produced by Champorado Productions, Zol Films, Kantiaha Prod., Anggulo Community, and Playback Productions. It is a story of an outcast, who wants to have someone who understands him and meets a person who he thinks would be the one.
Directed by Pau Ortaliz Santos and Nina Aira Villanueva, “Laragway Sa Karon (https://youtu.be/8ce3QYAyaxk) is produced by Three Wheels Production, in collaboration with Xouvenir Studios, and is about an old man, who wants to win a photography contest to solve his financial challenges, but meets a young and spirited photographer, unveiling an unexpected friendship full of colors.
“Manokan Country (https://youtu.be/oGlCU18e47Q)”, written and directed by Banjo Hinolan and produced by Banjo Hinolan Films, tells the story of a determined restaurant owner in Bacolod City in a faceoff against a ruthless real estate developer in a high-stakes chicken inasal cooking competition to save his family’s eatery and preserve the heart of his community.
“Puli Na, Diche Lesly (https://youtu.be/mUBTL-7BiLI)”, written and directed by Willbryan Garcia and produced by Salekula Dahlia Studios, is a bittersweet story of family ties and the things we do for love. It is about a successful Filipino-Chinese artist, who drives home to her hometown Bacolod for her father’s heart surgery.
VinJo Entuna wrote and directed “Sa Pwesto Ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair) https://youtu.be/hb_O8jLzdts”, and produced by Maragtas Film Productions. It tells a story of a humble barber navigating a tumultuous era while serving a diverse array of customers, including a prominent haciendero and an idealistic nephew.
“The Mansion (https://youtu.be/8oVfl1CSmCQ) is directed by Alvin “Swoop” Diaz and Oscar Severino Villanueva, and produced by T3 Films. The film is about a videographer accidentally meeting someone while doing his job, leading him to a rude awakening.
“The BFF’s official omnibus trailer, https://youtu.be/rnaAph9oGB4?si=keyuhawR4wWG-J_s, offers an exclusive preview of the incredible lineup of films for this year’s festival,” Sanchez said, as he urged the public to support these movie offerings for the maiden staging of the #StoriesWithASmile filmfest.
The organizer also said that the official BFF poster “captures the essence of the festival’s spirit.”
The iconic smiling eyes from the logo seamlessly morph into 10 dynamic waves, each symbolizing the fresh and powerful voices of Bacolodnon filmmakers. “These waves serve as a striking metaphor for the boundless creativity and visionary storytelling that these filmmakers will bring to Philippine cinema. Their collective energy, symbolized by these fluid forms, reflects an unstoppable force of artistic expression.” | CGC
