FDCP announces Sineng Pambansa finalists

MANILA, Philippines - The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has selected the 23 finalists for the three categories of the first Sineng Pambansa National Film Competition: 13 for Full-length Feature, seven for Documentary and three for Animation. Except for Animation, the winners were chosen according to geographical area (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). A unique aspect of the competition is that the language of the locality was used in the dialogue or the narration to underscore the vitality of the country’s indigenous cultural heritage through the medium of film.

“I’m happy to note that some of the finalists come as far north as Kalinga and Benguet, and as far south as Davao, Marawi and Jolo, which means that the region-based filmmakers are now contributing their outstanding talent and creativity to the making of a true Sineng Pambansa or National Cinema,” said chairman Briccio Santos.

According to FDCP, the finalists will be awarded seed money to finish their films, which will then compete in the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival to be held in Davao City in June 2012. It is organized by the FDCP in partnership with the City Government of Davao.

The finalists for the full-length feature category are: (Luzon) Ang Mga Kidnapper ni Ronnie Lazaro, Sigfried Barros-Sanchez from Metro Manila; Pauwi Na, Jose Paulo Villaluna, Manila and Bicol; Qwerty, Eduardo Lejano Jr., Manila; Anac Ti Pating, Martin Masadao, Kalinga; and Kanana Kanu, Jocelyn Banasan-Kapuno, Benguet; (Visayas) Ang Mga Aswang, John Raymund Macahilas, Iloilo; Beadworks, Ronny Poblacion, Iloilo; and Gugma Sang Panahon Sang Bakunawa, Peter Solis Nery, Iloilo; and (Mindanao) Tambara, Orvil Bantayan, Davao; Duwaya (Polygamy), Najib Alyhar Benito-Zacaria, Marawi; Malan, Agustin Pagusara Jr., Davao; In Banka Halit Sin Duwa Sapah, Fyred Alsad Alfad III, Jolo, Sulu; and Qiyamah, Gutierrez Mangansakan II, Maguindanao.

The finalists for the Documentary are: (Luzon) Jingle Lang ang Pahinga, Dominador Escasa Jr., Tagaytay; Illustrated by, Levi “Pepper” Marcelo, Manila; and Martial Law Stories, Jose Lorenzo Diokno, Manila; (Visayas) Walay Tumo’y ng Punterya (No End in Sight), Cierlito Espejo Tabay, Cebu; and Ginabuhi It Bulig (Binubuhay ng Pagtulong), Lester Babiera, Aklan; and (Mindanao) Tagurih: The Kites of Sulu, Dempster Samarista, Sulu; and Married to Danger, Sheron Dayoc, Zamboanga.

The finalists in the Animation category are: Katalina, Jose Ramon del Prado, Taguig; Kalon, Blecyrezza Piluden, Baguio; and Ceiling, Danilo Montano of Holy Cow Animation Inc., Manila.

Santos also announced that there will be an Ikalawang Yugto or second phase of the Sineng Pambansa National Film Competition, which will consist of meritorious entries drawn from the same batch of this year’s First National Film Competition. The finalists will also be provided with seed money by the FDCP and their films will compete in another FDCP film festival in November.

Three entries have been initially selected for the Ikalawang Yugto: Sheikh Makduhm by Abraham Dalagan from Tawi-Tawi (feature film); Ang Pagbabalik ng Bituin by Sheryl Manalastas, Manila (documentary); and Si Matsing at si Pagong by Analyne Pineda (animation). The complete batch of finalists for the Ikalawang Yugto of the Sineng Pambansa First National Film Competition will be announced in March 2012. The FDCP said that all the other current entries will still be eligible for selection in the Ikalawang Yugto.