[[ WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE SINENG PAMBANSA LDS SHORTFILM COMPETITION? ]]

(from left to right: Lanao del Sur Assemblyman Zia Alonto, Congressman Hussein Pacasum Pangadamen, Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Briccio Santos, First Lady of Lanao del Sur Madame Raifah Raki-in Adiong, a representative from the French embassy, Director Brillante "Dante" Mendoza, Direk Sherad Sanchez, Direk Teng Mangansacan, co-participant Doss Lucman Pacasum)


Dear lovely readers,

I have been itching to "make kwento" (tell a story) about what happened to the Sineng Pambansa Lanao del Sur Film Development Council of the Philippines Film Fest. Here I go.

In celebration with the 52nd founding anniversary of the province of Lanao del Sur, the Film Development Council of the Philippines held its fifth leg of the Sineng Pambansa Film Festival here in Lanao del Sur. From June 29-July 1, there were screening of independent and mainstream films in the Kambayoka Theater and Mamitua Saber Conference Hall in Mindanao State University in the day time and social events at night.

The opening night of the Sineng Pambansa Lanao del Sur Film Fest was held on June 29 at the Capitol Guest House sponsored by Assemblyman Zia Alonto who blew my mind with his eloquent extemporaneous opening remarks. It was my first time to meet the directors and other film enthusiasts who came all the way to Lanao del Sur. It was daunting at first but eventually, everybody loosened up because those direks are really cool and down to earth people. Real artists. What was so cool too was that the other two finalists were my friends Doss and Kuya Pogs.

June 30, screening of the films made by us, the three finalists, to be judged by the direks and some local and international figures. That day, I had to endure three interviews, running around under the rain with my 5-inch stilettos. It was fun but during the screening, when the lights were dimmed in the theater and my film was rolling, I wanted to melt and die. My film is very symbolic and abstract that to grasp its meaning, you really have to think, and the quality of the film isn't good because I didn't have the right equipment and editing software. It's a bad feeling, with hundreds of people in the theater watching knowing that most likely they won't like my film because it's really not fun and entertaining.

July 1, awarding and recognition night in Ayala Resort Hotel. I was not expecting anything and I knew in my heart that if I get the third place(because the three finalists are winners already but what would make the difference is who made it to the top) I was ready to accept it. The three participants, Kuya Pogs, Doss and I, were seated together when Paolo Bertolin of La Biennale di Venezia, the organizer of Venice International Film Festival was starting to announce the winners. I could sense how we were all so nervous. Here's the thing, I did not win it. Najib Alyhar "Kuya Pogs" Zacaria got the first place. But! But I did not get the last place either. The judges had a hard time choosing between my film and Doss's because the two have very different weaknesses and strengths. So they decided that we are tied at second place. Paolo explained that Doss's film had showed the outstanding technical skills of the filmmaker and best in screenplay and
everything technical. Mine rendered the theme best and has excellent scriptwriting. I did not hear everything due to the tension and excitement.

The fun part for me was the acceptance of our awards. It felt, at least for me, like an Oscar so I delivered a LONG speech for a SHORT film competition. At the end of the night, we're partying and taking photos. I can't post everything here because I am posting this through e-mail. The photos are all uploaded in my Facebook account(add me if you like).

Finally, I'd like to reveal that the picture above depicting me and the big people on the stage is my favorite moment of the night. Just look at the expressions on their faces as they look at me. Because you know what, if you give me a chance to speak, I'll really grab it and make the most out of it.

P.S. I'd be posting more about the film fest in the next days. I can't do it like right now because I am sooooo sick. After a week of stress-packed days, sleepless nights, and rainy afternoons, my health took its toll.

Love,

Ayeesha

Comments

  1. Kongrats! I can't contact you anymore, I lost my sim. So when are you planning to start the guest post?

    ReplyDelete
  2. weeeee.....congrats aye......

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  3. @david, add me in fb and message me there.

    @arnia, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. hi there. is there any possibility that i can watch your shortfilm?

    ReplyDelete

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