Have a love-hate relationship with college? Maybe inspiration from familiar narratives, especially from students themselves, can help you get by. If you’re looking for your next relatable watch, CineIskool Short Film Lab and Festival’s roster might have something for you.
The festival, which is headed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, runs from June 22 to 25, 2022 at the Gateway Cineplex Cinema 1.
It features 10 student-directed short films that showcase the significance of college life and explore the challenges that come with it. So tell your classmates: They’re free to watch.
“A Million Worth Degree” by Mary Franz D.R. Salazar
Despite the failures and financial hurdles, aspiring artist Mary Franz still decided to pursue fine arts to fulfill the dream of someone dear to her.
“Disesyete” by Adora Paula M. Bangay
Sheena Grace juggles education and motherhood at a very young age. How will she overcome the challenges?
“Higayon” by John Paul C. Corton
Are poor people allowed to dream big? Yes, they are—and Paul is proof.
“Jeremiah 29:11” by Jenny Mae A. Limama
The story revolves around Caren and how she became one of the CHED-TDP scholars at Davao del Sur State College.
“Kapawa” (Liwanag) by David Mark C. Oray
Find out how a poverty-stricken family managed to send one of their siblings to college, where she’s able to complete her degree.
“Kóro kan Sáldang” by Xavier Axl B. Roncesvalle
When an unnamed student poet loses his drive, he’s transported back to his childhood and is reminded of why and how he fell in love with writing.
“Langyaw” by Jayve T. Cabañero
What happens when a young man from Surigao travels to Bohol—a place he isn’t well accustomed to—to continue his studies?
“Lapis Akong Naghihintay ng Pantasa” by Gerald S. Pesigan
An out-of-school youth is presented with an opportunity to build his future, but will he take it? Or will he choose to stay as a factory laborer?
“Palhi” by John Angelo A. Arroyo
Bayani, an aspiring journalist with a speech impediment, is constantly being discouraged by the people around him—even his own father. He’s about to give up but a conversation with his professor changes his mind.
“Pagbangon: A Movie Documentary” by Art Joseph L. Bersabal
It’s never too late to reach your dreams for Billie, a 36-year-old mother and an academic achiever at Davao de Oro State College Main.
Besides creating more awareness and appreciation for higher learning among the Filipino youth, CineIskool also serves as a tribute to those who persevere despite setbacks—and a reminder that your efforts will pay off, no matter how short or long the journey is. Plus, it aims to bring together young filmmakers in an effort to foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and enlightenment.
Bonus: Director Glenn Barit’s debut feature film “Cleaners” (2019), which won best screenplay at the 2020 FAMAS Awards, will open the festival. As a sneak peek, here’s our previous open forum with the class of IV – Rizal.
You can watch—or rewatch—it for free on June 22 and 23. To reserve a slot, make sure you register online.
Read more:
Got P200 to spare? You can watch these Filipino queer films around the country
Take a chance on PH cinema with free films from Cinemalaya
Here’s an online database of Philippine docus since 1913
Film posters from the Film Development Council of the Philippines Facebook page
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