Sagay City’s film fest now accepts short film entries

BACOLOD City – Submission of entries for the Margaha Film Festival’s first-ever Philippine Shorts Competition is now open.

Margaha Film Festival, with its sixth installment in February, is presented by the Sagay City Government in Negros Occidental in partnership with Office of Vice Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva and Film Development Council of the Philippines. It is also in line with the celebration of the National Arts Month.

Also known as “SineMargaha”, the film festival announced the opening of submission for its “Ang Istorya sang Amon Isla” Philippine Shorts Competition which aims to showcase short films from various islands of the country. The submission is until January 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Festival director Helen Arguelles-Cutillar said this expansion of programming is an initiative of the festival to showcase more stories from the islands of the Philippines while staying true to the film festival’s core of presenting local heritage and culture.

“Ang Istorya sang Amon Isla” focuses on short films that explore the rich narratives of the island, mountains, sea, and the people of the Philippine archipelago.

Cutillar said the films should explore the heritage, culture, and way of life of the local communities, showcasing stories that reflect the connection between the island and its people.

The short film should have a runtime of 10 to 20 minutes, directed and produced by Filipino filmmakers from January 1, 2023 to October 31, 2024.

The proceeds of the submission fees for this category will go to the Balhasanay Filmmaking Movement, a community-based filmmaking organization in Sagay City.

Meanwhile, the Margaha Shorts Competition that is exclusive to Sagaynon filmmakers has announced the 10 scripts in consideration.

These are “1945: Fight for Freedom” directed by John Fritz Ardeña, “Ang Babaye sa Bubon” by Jecen Despi and Junmarl Alconga, “Ga Ano Kamo?” by Alfonso “Thirdy” Macam III, “Hangaway” by Levi James Arellano, “Kabay Pa” by Kent Raven Ardeña, “Maca” by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, “Macamilco: Isa Ka Balinghoy ang Kalibutan” by Geryco Cortez and Star Avril Trangia, “Mga Hutik kag Tinago” by Rhyne Angel Dayaganon, “Pagpanginyawat” by Bert Jan Desphy, and “Si Sir kag ang Gamay nga Bata” by Seb Valdez./PN

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