Shorts that are never short on miracles

Sunday, January 22, 2012

WHETHER it’s about documenting miracles, capturing moments of religious fervor or displaying the revelry that comes with an age-old tradition, the annual Sinulog short film festival gathers filmmakers all over the country for a chance to blend their art with the Queen City of the South’s devotion to the Holy Child.

“We’re not expecting to win, but this is our tribute as artists—sharing our art to the viewers, also in honor of the Sto. Niño. As long as we’re enjoying what we do, we’re happy,” said first-time contestant and Sun.Star Cebu photographer Ruel Rosello.
Ruel’s team is just one of numerous groups joining this year’s contest. The screening of the top 10 films and documentaries will bezheld at 1 p.m. on Jan. 28 at Cinema 2, SM City Cebu.

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Awards will be given for technical excellence. But for most, if not all, of those joining the competition, the chance to join the festival and submit an entry is a rewarding experience in itself.

“I think joining the contest is a great opportunity for us, though it is daunting when (we think) about all the pros and big names in the industry that we will be facing,” said fresh-graduate and Sun.Star Cebu reporter Davinci Maru, who’s entering the film fest for the first time too, together with college pal Fatrick Tabada.

“Joining the competition is nerve-racking, yet (exciting). However, we are looking at the challenge as a creative outlet and our expression of faith at the same time, which does not happen very often,” Fatrick said.

Rookie or pro, contestants have mixed thoughts on whether these films are easy to produce. With the story angle so focused, filmmakers have to come up with something new each year.

“The level of difficulty in making these films really (varies), but the scope of the short film is very focused, so it’s a challenge to churn out something fresh,” explained last year’s second place winner, Peter Mancao. Peter’s film Biyahe also won Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress.

“It pays to come out with something new and original,” added Aldo Banaynal, who joined the contest for the first time last year and is joining again this year.
Coming in at a close third last year was his film Regenesis.

“I join and make these films because somehow it gets to bring back the child in me. That’s why I choose to make my stories capture the imagination, or at least I hope I could.”

Regenesis garnered the Best in Production Design, Best in Sound Engineering and Musical Scoring, Best Story and Best in Special Effects awards.

Indeed, this notable competition gathers both amateurs and veterans of filmmaking and issues a challenge: produce a short film that will best capture the very heart of the Sinulog celebration—highlighting the miracle, mystery and majesty of the child Jesus.

The panel of judges, according to the Sinulog office, is made up of distinguished persons from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cinemalaya and other notable filmmakers.

For eight years running, the short film concepts have shown that apparently there is no shortage of miracles to tell stories about.