Cine Recoleto

LIGHTS, camera, action, and the trailer of each of the two film entries hugged the white wall of Father Cuenca Hall at UNOR last October 6 in the occasion of the Film Review and Evaluation of the two film entries for the Season 3 Religious Education Film Festival.

Sponsored by the Cine Recoleto Film Production, the “indie” films, co-produced by Religious Education student, which explored the themes of faith and the sacraments, were shown during the festival.

Moreover, the films would serve as a media “in promoting and disseminating social, cultural, environmental and religious realities and issues and communicating Gospel values.”

The holding of the film fest is also a fitting reminder of the celebration of the opening of the Recollect Centenary as an Order and the Year of Faith which was officially opened last October 10, 2012.

After the warm greeting and congratulatory remarks made by the University’s Public Relations Officer and Director of Students Affairs Dr. Carlos Eduardo Legaspi, the rationale of the film festival was explained by Cine Recoleto Executive Producer Mr. Dennis V. Madrigal. Then the viewing of the film entries followed.

Being one the judges, I am very proud to have watched the creative film-attempts of the students who, despite their busy academic schedules and differences in courses, were able to make such short films.

The panel of judges was composed of Gerard Dacles, Brian Jay Lumauag, Erwin Nicavera, Katherine Valencia, Stephanie Azucena, Jay Jolito, Olive Baltazar-Jamandre and me.

We did not only watch and rate the films but we also made constructive suggestions which the student directors, actors and actresses, film producers and editors could employ in their future film-making.

Footsteps Productions’ “Ring” was the first to be shown. It is a short film entry tackling the story of faith, love and destiny. On the other hand, Globin Productions’ “Rose” is another story of faith and hope which was tested and strengthened by overwhelming misfortunes which afflicted a family.

So we, eight of us film critics, did not only check on the “fade–to-black,” “cut-to-cut,” “talking heads,” “graphics,” ”angles,” “sounds” and other techniques used in the making of the film but we also made comments on the story line, acting and all. But all of us agreed that the attempts are fine creations of passionate students who want nothing but make one wonderful film.

After careful deliberations, we have reached to make better choices. And the winners are: Best Film - “Rose”; Best Actor - Steve Ernest Dulaca (“Rose”); Best Actress - Rose Ann Mayoga (“Rose”); Best Supporting Actor-Daryl Joseph Martizano (“Ring”); Best Supporting Actress - Ma.Karina de Leon (“Rose”); Best Director- Ma. Inez Benedicto (“Rose”); and “Rose” as the grand slam winner for Film Critics Choice; Students’ Critics Choice; People’s Choice; Best in Cinematography, Screenplay, Film Editing, Art Direction and Visual Effects, Sound Direction, Production, Musical Score, Costume and Make-up and Best Film Trailer.

The “Ring” got the Blockbuster Film and the Best Film Poster awards.

Cine Recoleto Religious Education Film Festival, which was started In October of 2011, has indeed achieved its purpose: produces, screens, reviews and evaluates short films on issues and themes of value which affect man and his society.

Drum rolls, loud applause and warm hugs to all the producers, co-producers, directors, actors and all involved in the Season 3 Religious Education Film Festival. End of credits. God bless.