CCS Alumni’s short film set for screening in PPP

Ley Nicole Jangolan

Exclusive, realistic, and life-changing are just some of the words that best describe the short film made by three alumni from the University of the Immaculate Conception-College of Computer Studies (UIC-CCS) that was chosen as an entry in the 4th Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) bringing pride and glory for the institution.

As they turn their dreams into reality, Bryce Largo, Ivan Cabanial, and Chris John David Manero’s short film, “Anong Nangyari kay Andrew Magsilang?” was selected to premiere as part of the said celebration organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

The PPP is a project of the organization which showcases various genres of Filipino films in a week-long screening. And due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic, for the first time ever, it will be celebrated through an exclusive FDCP-sponsored online platform.

The short film revolves around the story of a hypocrite social media influencer, Andrew Magsilang, who used his environmental awareness advocacy for clout and gained more audience until he went missing. The ten-minute short film starred by another alumna, Andrew Tenajeros, aims to raise awareness about our generation’s environment and social realities.

Largo, Cabanial, and Manero, who co-directed the film, shared the challenges while making the film. They said that they wanted to create a unique output.

Moreover, the three wanted to produce a documentary-style film with a twist while portraying social issues and the influence of social media.

“One thing that I like about our film is the subtlety of the storytelling. We did not slap the message it conveys to the audience, but what had happened to the characters in the story was connected to the message that we want to relay,” Largo said.

Despite time constraints, the three did not expect it to be included in the national film festival. They lament that the film came into fruition for a given period, which was done during the Guerrilla Filmathon. This filmmaking competition is a sought-after event whereby teams of filmmakers aim to produce their short films in only 24-hours and, at the same time, face exciting yet adventure race-style encounters.

The filmmakers also shared that their film’s inclusion was unanticipated due to the caliber of the film entries that joined the said competition. According to the creators of the movie, their passion for filmmaking ignited because of the never-ending support of the people around them.

Filmmaking was infused into the blood of the filmmakers during their college days in UIC. While staying in the university, they have been joining various inter-school competitions that honed their skills in the craft.

“One should not limit his or her creativity because it drives people to create their art or film,” Manero said.

He also reminded those promising filmmakers that they could not please everyone. Thus, they must be steadfast with their passion and continue pursuing their goals while disregarding all the negative criticisms in the film they intend to do.

Do not be afraid to go out of the box, to be unconventional, and to experiment. Always find passion and exert effort to motivate yourself to do art,” Cabanial emphasized.

“One should always be open to the experiences that will come along his or her journey. Do not be afraid to fail because through failure, you grow and will become better as a filmmaker and as a person,” he added.

The film will be streamed online starting this October 31 to November 15 during the said film festival. It will be streamed for free on the FDCP Channel Website, www.fdcpchannel.ph together with other regional and national films.