Hundred Islands Film Fest draws top original films in Pangasinan

CALASIAO, Pangasinan, September 15 ------ Short films tackling environmental and social issues topped the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival (HIFF) awards, the culmination of the HIFF Film Lab project of the Alaminos City Government.

The HIFF Film Lab, started six years ago, is an intensive filmmaking program that aims to nurture young storytellers, strengthen local filmmaking, and provide opportunities for Alaminian filmmakers to create meaningful films inspired by their own community.

Topping the awards night is the film “Bales ti Ina a Nakaparsuaan,” which is about a father who struggles to make ends meet while raising his child on a remote island who learned not to tamper with nature. Bales ti Ina a Nakaparsuaan bagged the Best Film award. It was the output of Tjida Jaemicha Ramos and Francis June Bayangos.

The Best Film synopsis says: “Romeo (the father) takes coral from the sea in the hope of easing their hardship. His child falls gravely ill, and he seeks the help of an albularyo, who tells him that the cure lies on Halaan Island. To save his child, he must return what he took from the sea, seek forgiveness, and find the mysterious taklobo (giant clam) said to possess the power to heal any illness.”

The second-best film is titled “Out of Frame” directed by Veann Rein Francisco, about Lina, a photojournalist who uses her camera to expose teachers sexually abusing students in an all-girls school. The third best film is “Talinghaga” directed by Jezreel Simon Necesito, is about a musician who uses his music as a voice for people whose struggles often go unheard.

The HIFF Film Lab is facilitated by experienced filmmakers and industry professionals, where participants were trained on screenwriting or creating engaging stories rooted in local experiences, cinematography, acting, film editing, and directing.

The HIFF has been institutionalized through City Ordinance No. 2025-02, ensuring the continuing staging of the HIFF to expand support for filmmakers and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and share meaningful stories through film.

This year, the Main Competing Category features the Top 5 finalists whose stories were selected and developed through the Film Lab Workshop. The films were produced with the guidance of resident mentors, including directors Zig Dulay, Carlo Catu, Carlo Obispo, Tim Rone Villanueva, Victor Villanueva, Jerome Dulin, Sef Arcegono, and Ian Christopher Cruz.

The Open Category brought together the Top 10 finalists from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing Alaminos a diverse range of stories, perspectives, and filmmaking styles from different parts of the country.

Source: inquirer.net