UMak Reels

27/06/2025

Jury’s Statement for “Sa Simula ng Wala" | UNHCR 3rd Refugee Film Festival Awards

“For its unflinching and deeply human portrayal of individuals living without legal identity, this film stands as a masterwork of empathy and truth. Through intimate storytelling and creative testimony, it sheds light on a hidden population whose lives are shaped by abandonment, legal invisibility, and quiet resilience. With clarity, compassion, and cinematic grace, the film transcends the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It not only informs, it moves. It not only reveals, it compels. By giving voice to those long unheard, this film becomes a powerful call for justice, dignity, and reform” - Atom Araullo, Award-winning Journalist, UNHCR Philippines Goodwill Ambassador

22/06/2025

PARA SA FOUNDLINGS ✊✨

"Sa Simula ng Wala" by Daghili Pictures has been awarded Best Festival Short Film at the 3rd Refugee Film Festival, hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Philippines) on June 21 at San Beda University.

This powerful documentary follows the journey of an adult foundling in the Philippines as they navigate the struggle for legal identity and a true sense of belonging. Shedding light on the often-overlooked reality of undocumented individuals, the film powerfully captures the pursuit of recognition, citizenship, and dignity.

“Sa Simula ng Wala” honors the stories and lives of adult foundlings—serving as a call for justice, inclusion, and systemic change in the country.

Congratulations to our talented student filmmakers for giving voice to the unheard. May your storytelling continue to spark dialogue and inspire action.

The production extends its warmest appreciation to: Mama Issa De Guzman Tica, Julie Anne Magleo Mariano, Rizaldy Mariano and with the guidance of Atty. Eduard Riparip for making the film possible. 💗

Daghili Pictures ♣️

Cajuday, Amariah
Carelo, Ysamae Yrrah
Castillo, Pauline Nicole
De Dios, Maria Cris
Factes, Edward John Louis
Trajano, Jefford Leigh
Segaya, Jaklyn Marie

20/06/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the talented student filmmakers of U.HAP! from the University of Makati for winning 3rd Place in the 2025 Class Project Inter-collegiate Mini Documentary Competition! 👏🎬

Their documentary, “U.HAP!”, dives deep into the efforts to preserve the Ayta Magbukun language, an endangered indigenous language in Bataan. A powerful story on culture, identity, and resilience, this film deserves your watch. 🗣️🌱

📺 Watch “U.HAP” and other winning entries on the Knowledge Channel YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/KnowledgeChannel

Let’s celebrate stories that matter.✨

The Magbukun language of the Ayta Magbukun people in Bataan, spoken by only 764 households, was deemed endangered by UNESCO's Atlas of the World's Languages ...

20/06/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the student filmmakers from the University of Makati for making it to the Top 8 of the Intercollegiate Mini-Documentary Competition! 🎬🌊

Their documentary DALUYONG takes us deep into the lives of coastal communities reeling from the aftermath of three major oil spills in Manila Bay. As fisherfolk fight to rebuild, the film unpacks the environmental destruction, community resistance, and the shadowy forces surrounding the disaster. 🔍⚠️

💻 Watch DALUYONG and the rest of the winning entries now on the Knowledge Channel YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/KnowledgeChannel

Support student storytellers who are making waves for truth and change. 🧡

In the wake of three devastating oil spills in Manila Bay, coastal communities struggle to rebuild their lives. As fisherfolk face an uncertain future, tensi...

19/06/2025

🌟 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP 5 FINALISTS 🎬

We’re excited to share the Top 5 short films of the 3rd Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition—listed in alphabetical order. 🌟

🏆 Catch the free screening of these Top 5 films on Saturday, June 21 at San Beda University Manila—and find out which films will be awarded the Top 3 spots!

With the theme "Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope," these incredible works capture the spirit of solidarity, inclusion, and courage. They are a powerful testament to the youth’s creativity and passion for sharing stories that uplift the voices of those too often unheard.

🎥 Huge thanks to everyone who submitted their entries and shared their talents! Your voices are powerful, and your work is an inspiration to us all. 💙 Let’s keep telling stories that build bridges and spark change. See you on Saturday!

14/06/2025

Congratulations to our 4th Year BMMA students for making it on the Top 10 Short Film Entries for the 3rd Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition.

Let's support our filmmakers on their journey, make sure to leave a 👍 or ❤️ react on their short film entry! 🎬

📣 Announcing the Top 10 Short Film Entries! 🎬

We’re proud and grateful to announce the Top 10 short film entries of the 3rd Refugee Film Festival Short Film Competition!

Watching all the submissions filled us with joy and admiration. Each film was a unique, creative take on this year’s theme: “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope.” Huge thanks to every team that shared their story. Your voices matter.

Now it’s your turn to be part of the journey!

Part of the total score will come from social media votes, so make sure to leave a 👍 or ❤️ react on the short film entry you want to support!

🎬 The Top 5 films will be revealed in just a few days!
🎟️ Reserve your slot now to catch the screening of the Top 5 films on 21 June: https://www.unhcr.org/ph/refugeefilmfestival

Voting and registration close on 17 June, 11:59 PM.

30/05/2025

THANK YOU, UMAK REELS '25 COMMITTEE! 💐✨

To our dynamic and loud event committee, you are the star that made this event shine and come alive! Each volunteer dedicated their time, effort, and commitment to accomplishing impossible tasks in each event. Be proud of what you have all achieved, UMAK REELS 2025 is a memory worth cherishing forever! 💗

MAKING OUR MOVE, ONE REEL AT A TIME 🎬

29/05/2025

SPOTLIGHT ON FILMS | Our heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all our BMMA students who showcased their exceptional works during UMak Reels 2025: AniMakati held last May 22 at the UMak Auditorium.

A culminating event featuring the 2D, 3D, and capstone films of 2nd to 4th-year students, your dedication to rendering your works to perfection truly made it to center stage.

Our gratitude goes out to everyone who has supported their journey - families, friends, mentors, and their faculties. Your unwavering support made these productions possible.

CONGRATULATIONS AND MAY YOUR WORKS CONTINUE TO RESONATE! ✨

26/05/2025

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS!

As we formally close our event, we want to send our warmest appreciation to all our sponsors and event partners who made UMak Reels 2025 possible. Also, with the support of the Institute of Arts and Design, faculty professors, UMak offices, and our participants for their continuous dedication and guidance in the making of this 3 week-long event.

Co-presented by:
Overdoughs
Mary and Martha
24 Frames - CIIT Film Organization
Animotion - DLS CSB
DAKILA Metro Manila-Rizal
Gestalt - CIIT Graphic Design Organization
Aputure Philippines
Solacolas
Charmed by Ayel

In partnership with:
UST - The Illustrativ
Khalifa's Shawarma
New York Boys

See you next UMak Reels 2025!

22/05/2025

Animakati 2025 – Afternoon Session Now Ongoing! 🎞️✨
The showcase continues with more amazing animated films by our talented BMMA students! Don’t miss the creativity and passion behind each frame.

While you're here, visit the Art Market to support local artists and stop by the photobooth to capture some fun memories with friends. 🎨📸

Let’s enjoy the final stretch of Animakati 2025 together!

22/05/2025

HAPPENING NOW: Come and Visit Our Art Market at Animakati 2025! 🎨🛍️

Explore a variety of creative works crafted by our talented artists and support their growing businesses. Every purchase helps fuel their passion and talent — so don’t miss it!

22/05/2025

GRAB YOUR FREE STICKERS! ✨

Don't forget to claim our official UR25: AniMakati Freebie Stickers before entering the Venue!