08/10/2025
๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐
ILOILO CITY โ The talent of budding filmmakers from the College of Communication was highlighted as their works earned a spot in CineMatahum 2025: Mga Sugilanon sa Western Visayas, scheduled on October 15 to 25 at the University of the Philippines - Visayas (Iloilo campuses).
The short film "Sugilanon sa Kurbada", directed by John Angelo Arroyo, was selected as one of the 11 finalists under the CineBarrio (Interschool Film Category). Earlier this year, the film garnered multiple awards and was declared champion at the Sulong Film Festival during WVSU University Days.
In an interview with The Mediator, Arroyo said that joining CineMatahum was a significant milestone for the masterpiece, noting that it would be the filmโs first premiere outside WVSU and a meaningful achievement for the production team as they were finally able to share stories that had long remained untold.
"Well, joining Cinematahum is yet another milestone for our film, Sugilanon sa Kurbada. For the first time, it premiered outside the premises of WVSU. This alone is such an achievement for the whole production team, since we are finally able to share the stories that we werenโt able to share for a long time." Arroyo said
As a COC alumnus, the director emphasized films are not only for storytelling but also a means to inspire young filmmakers to break norms and discover authentic grassroots stories, adding that the film aimed to show the beauty of the everyday and hopefully spark inspiration for the next generation to flourish.
Meanwhile, the documentary film project "Sapatos ni Ibay" by directors Gerard Paul Gallo and John Neil Diaz of Batobalani Production was also recognized as one of the 15 finalists in the Cinebanwa (Non-Competition Category). The film had earlier earned multiple awards at the Patubas Documentary Film Festival of WVSU-COC Broadcasting Division held on April 28 this year.
Gallo highlighted that the true power of filmmaking lies in reaching communities and shaping perspectives, adding that the said film created not just as an academic requirement but out of passion, serves as a milestone they hope will inspire more audiences through platforms like film festivals.
"We must understand that the true power of filmmaking is not only in the process of creation, but in the moment a film reaches communities and shapes perspectives. Sharing our work across different audiences allows us to use that power for change, action, and inspiration. As a storyteller by passion, I believe that milestones like this are where that power truly manifests. We produced Sapatos ni Ibay not merely as an academic requirement, but as a product of passionโone that we hope continues to speak to more communities through platforms like film festivals." he said.
The participation of these films in CineMatahum 2025 highlights the College of Communicationโs vital role in honing the talent and creativity of local and aspiring filmmakers, strengthening its commitment to shaping authentic grassroots stories and advancing the future of regional cinema.
