Manila: The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is highlighting 10 short films created by emerging filmmakers at the Margaha Film Festival in Sagay City, located in Negros Occidental province this month. These films, originally showcased during the festival's initial five years since its inception in 2020, are being screened for free from February 17 to 19 at the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Negros in the city.
According to Philippines News Agency, the FDCP emphasized the unique collaboration with the Margaha Film Festival, stating, "In an exciting collaboration with the Margaha Film Festival, we're bringing you a must-see lineup of 10 transformative films that dive deep into Sagay's vibrant culture."
The selection of films includes works such as "Pirata" by Helen Javier Arguelles, "Kining Ambahanon kag Binalaybay ko sa Imo" by Kent John Desamparado, "Pandayunon" by Jo-Ane Pitogo, "Ang Inangtan" by Jun Marl Alconga, "Paon" by Seb Valdez, "Taga-Taga" by Trini Garcia, "Pag-Ulikid" by Seb Valdez, "Padsalop sang Adlaw" by Kent John Desamparado, "Paraiso" by Seb Valdez, and "Mananguete" by Merry Mission.
The FDCP regards these films as marking the "arrival of new perspectives in Philippine cinema," as these young filmmakers bring their stories to the fore.
Now marking its sixth year with the theme SAISayan, the Margaha Film Festival was initially launched in 2020 along the black sand shores of Sagay's Margaha Beach, also known as the home of renowned visual artist Nunelucio Alvarado.
This edition will feature a total of 18 short films, with 10 entries part of the inaugural Margaha Philippine Shorts Competition under the theme 'Istorya sang Amon Isla', and eight of these films were shot in Sagay.
The festival's opening and premiere screenings are scheduled to take place at Margaha Beach, Barangay Old Sagay, on February 22. The initiative is presented by the city government of Sagay in conjunction with the FDCP, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Committee on Cinema, and other partners.
