THE film “Siyudad sa Bulawan (City of Gold)” of Dabawenyo filmmaker Jarell Serencio bags the Best in Short film award of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) 2019.

Accepting the award on Sunday, April 28, Serencio shared that he was elated to have received such prestigious award.

“To win a Famas trophy is a dream come true. Famas is the longest award giving body in the Philippines kaya isang malaking karangalan ang mapabilang sa hanay ng mga nanalo,” he said adding he’s been familiar with the award giving body since he was a kid.

He emphasized that receiving a Famas trophy only means that when you dream on something you really have to work on it.

He, however, admitted that making “Siyudad sa Bulawan” was not easy. The story development and research took him two years before he wrote the final script.

“But I’m very thankful to have a brave team with me, we all made the film what it is today. Without my amazing crew and the people who helped me, I could never do it. I’m truly indebted to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for believing in me and gave me the funding to finish the film,” he said.

Serencio’s “Siyudad sa Bulawan” is a story of three brothers needing cash and who took a job in the gold mines of Mt. Diwalwal without realizing the danger that awaits them.

The short film, which was the springboard of his first full-length film Diwata, recently won in CineFilipino 2018 as the 2nd Best Short Film – Open Category. It also won Best Film at the 1st Palawan International Film Festival.