Singkuwento filmfest calls for entries

MANILA, Philippines – The Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines (SIFFMP) — together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) — invites amateur and professional filmmakers to submit their full-length and short films for exhibition and competition.

SIFFMP gathers a collection of films exploring different genres, from personal relationships, demise and destruction, growing pains and childhood dreams and societal issues.

The festival’s main objective is to provide an avenue for Filipinos both here and abroad to share their voice, talents and insights via films. It also aims to provide a platform for non-Filipinos to share their impressions of the country and its people.

According to festival director Perry Escaño, “On our third year, there will be a separate category for local and international films in both fictional and documentary films. All films made locally will be under local category. The board of jury, headed by Roberto Reyes Ang, will select a few Filipino entries for consideration in the international category with the consent of the filmmakers. Films entered in the international category will no longer compete in the local category.

“The short films competition is open to students, amateurs and professionals. We are only accepting entries completed not earlier than Jan. 1, 2014. The maximum running time, including opening and closing credits, is 30 minutes,” said Escaño. “Short films already available online as well as promotional films are not eligible. Deadline of submission for both films in competition and exhibition is before midnight of Dec. 13.”

This year, full-length films and documentaries for exhibition will also be accepted. The minimum running time is one hour. They must be completed not earlier than Jan. 1, 2013. All films submitted for competition and exhibition maybe in any language or dialect and with English subtitles.

How does one submit film entries? Escano said, “A private online link of the film must be sent for pre-screening purposes via e-mail to [email protected] along with entry form, filmmaker’s curriculum vitae, poster in jpeg file, three jpeg files of stills from the film and a profile picture of the filmmaker. The film links must be downloadable. They can visit our Facebook page Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines and our SIFFMP website http://siffmp.wix.com/2016.”

Escano added, “We are looking for films that will allow people to have a better appreciation of our impressive Filipino culture and heritage with great messages of Filipino and foreign films to the audience.”

Some of the mainstream films to be shown in the SIFFMP next year are Louie Ignacio’s Laut (opening film) and Joel Lamangan’s Sekyu (closing film).

World Premiere films include Ignacio’s Child Haus and Mike Magat’s Isang Hakbang.

Allen Dizon in the closing film Sekyu

Other films for exhibition are DA Palagtiw’s Pisara; Jill Singson Urdaneta’s Partee; Johnny Mahinay’s Atras; Franco Arce’s Beyond That Door; Peter Allan Mariano’s Babaylan, Silip sa Nakaraan; and Paolo Endrinal Tesico’s Ligaw.

Documentary films for exhibition are Steven Flor, Martin Galán and Mark Laccay’s Racing With The Legends and Benito Bautista’s Harana.

Escano also invited sponsors to support the three-year-old film festival. He said, “The festival gives them an unrivalled opportunity to meet the right people and present the strengths and merits of their company. It is an opportunity for them to be part of the ever-evolving and always exciting Filipino Cinema wave.”

The Singkuwento International Film Festival, Manila, Philippines is slated on Feb. 19 to 27, 2016 at the Tanghalang Leandro Locsin, NCCA Bldg 633 General Luna St. Intramuros Manila. There will also be UP Film Center screenings in March.

For tickets, the SIFFMP Full Access Festival pass and tickets are available via TicketWorld outlets and National Bookstore. They can also buy the tickets at the lobby of the NCCA.