STUDENT filmmakers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) secured third place in the Best Student Short Film Competition at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
The award-winning short film, PNB 12-50, was created by Salom Productions and directed by 19-year-old Ryan Paolo Resuena. The story centers on a father separated from his daughter during Typhoon Pablo, which devastated New Bataan and other parts of Mindanao in December 2012.
“It highlights kung unsa ka relevant sa history ng Mindanao ang Bagyong Pablo, na nahitabo during Christmas season (It highlights how significant Typhoon Pablo was in Mindanao's history, especially since it happened during the Christmas season),” Resuena said.
A second-year BA Communication and Media Arts student, Resuena expressed how meaningful the recognition was, as it gave Mindanao’s story a chance to reach a wider audience.
“As someone na 19 pa lang, wala gyud ko nag-expect og achievement as big as this (At 19 years old, I never expected an achievement as big as this). However, I have always believed that when you truly want something, the universe will conspire every odds to make it happen for you,” he said.
Resuena emphasized the importance of showcasing Mindanaoan stories on a national stage.
“Mao siguro I was given this chance, along with Salom Productions, na ma-achieve ni na award. To bring Mindanaoan stories into the limelight like this means telling the nation na your stories, are our stories too. Gigamit namo siya na avenue to let people know the relevance of Mindanao. We should be given importance too (Perhaps that’s why we, along with Salom Productions, were given this opportunity to win this award. Bringing Mindanaoan narratives into the spotlight means reminding the nation that our stories are just as important. This film serves as a way to highlight Mindanao’s significance),” he added.
The short film is currently screening in theaters nationwide alongside Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital.
Other winners in the Best Student Short Film Competition include Inang Wak-Wak by Mindanao State University-General Santos City, which won the Special Jury Prize, A Delivery Rider by City of Malabon University, which placed second, and Saan Aabot ang 50 Pesos Mo?, which took home the Best Student Short Film award.
This year’s MMFF marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of Filipino cinematic excellence. RGL