Gawad Sining Short Film Festival returns digitally this year
Calling all cinephiles! You are all in for a good time even at the comforts of your home via this year’s Gawad Sining Short Film Festival happening from November 27 to December 4.
This 2020, the festival is back in highlighting local short films in partnership with Village Pipol Magazine under RED Entertainment. This annual event was born with a one-week full-house screenings (and awards night) at the Cine Adarna of UP Film Institute. Founded by its festival director Onin Estrella, a Filipino film director.
Due to the current restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gawad Sining takes a halt in screening in their usual venue to ensure the safety of the staff and its loyal viewers. Don’t worry, they promise to not let this hindrance compromise the quality of their new line-up!
The organizers still aim to uplift and inspire the young (and young at heart) filmmakers by showcasing their craft through this short film competition — utilizing their creativity and use their time productively.
“I am just excited to watch all the entries for this year. I believe in our young filmmakers today and I am confident they will deliver a good message through these masterpieces,” Josh Austria, PR and Advertising Manager of Village Pipol Magazine.
This year’s theme is focused on LGBTQ stories of any genre (romance/ boys love/ drama/ comedy/ action/ suspense/ thriller). Streaming on their official YouTube channel starts this Friday and it will run until December 4. Surely, it’s an early Christmas gift you wouldn’t wish to miss out on!
Here are the 26 official entries that will work its magic on the screen:
1. Sa aking Gunita
Elijah and Jacob are in a healthy long-term relationship, the day of their anniversary is full of tragedy. Jacob’s traumatic past flashbacks as they are about to make love. The night turns into a murder.
2. Bahaghari
Labis na lungkot ang nadama ni Carl sa pagkamatay ng kanyang amang si Engr. Brent Carlos Reyes at lalo pang lumalim ang kanyang pagdadalamhati’t pagluluksa nang matuklasan nya ang mga lihim na ikinubli ng kanyang ama sa isang lumang diary. Bagamat naging makulimlim at maulan ang buhay ni Brent, para sa anak nyang si Carl ay napakakulay ng mundong kanyang kinagisnan sing kulay ng isang bahaghari sa kalangitan.
May mga bagay na natutunan si Carl sa pagtuklas ng kasaysayan ng kanyang ama, na may mga lalaking bahag-ari sa mga pananagutan na syang naging basehan nya upang iwagayway at taas noong ipagmalaki ang makulay na buhay ng amang si Brent.
3. Ang Bahagharing Uhaw sa Ulan (ABUSU)
ABUSU is all about a father and son relationship/tandem who have a strong bond and as time goes by Jayson noticed something unusual from his father and he started to keep a distance from his father.
4. Orpheus
Three years have passed, Riff returns home, seeking a chance to be with his ex, but now his friend, Jerome, for a second time. But an unexpected act leads him into losing him forever – just as how Orpheus loses a chance to be with Eurydice.
5. Amay Namon
A gay father who is struggling and striving to do everything and provide for his daughter even though he is not prepared for fatherhood. His identity as part of the LGBT community and his poor financial capacity is a hindrance that has forced him and his daughter to only meet in secret and talk for one hour every day.
6. A.Live
A gay couple that met online had an amazing love story, or so they thought. Things got messy in a short period of time. A single live can change the whole story.
7. Collab
A story of two Twitter alter individuals reconnected after being trapped in a situation brought by the pandemic. With the hopes of making money to survive, they will collaborate (“collab”) and do something that is unconventional.
8. KLNGTN: The Moon and the Star
The Moon and the Star – This is the story of two women trapped in a vast expanse of love. Mayari who fell in love but at the same time experience confusion and commotion in understanding herself, left and sought her identity. But when she returns everything changes that locked her from the past. While Tala, A woman who's thirsty for love and care. They meet under the sky between the moon and the stars hoping to find love.
9. 1987: Kumbida
In 1987, a closeted gay, an achiever, who dreams of becoming a well-known journalist will finally meet an introverted boy (Joaquin) who will awaken his other demeanor that being weak at times is not bad at all. A night worth remembering for the, not even shooting stars could stop their genuine selves continue to unravel. Their newly built friendship will lead them into a deeper rapport.
10. Ultimate Jowa
A hopeless romantic, Aljohn, dreams of finding Mr. Right without the help of algorithms set in most dating phone applications. After so many failed attempts, he then realizes that the scientific way of looking for the right one is his only option. But the question is, would he really find the love of his life under his thumb?
11. Sinking
MARIA feels pressured to free herself from her secrets. As she feels like a boat slowly sinking, she finally realizes how to save herself.
12. The Calling
A young man who lives in a simple life shattered by secret and lies and lives as a ‘’new person’’ as being a ‘’woman’’ He fell in love with a guy, but that guy introduced him in a world that he never expected.
13. Sore
Ron and Angelo are best friends. As they wait for an emergency appointment at a local clinic, tensions arise as to whether they continue their friendship or not.
14. Pobya
This is a story of a dog and her gay companion, and how it accidentally taught him to heal from a hidden emotional trauma.
15. Kloseta
A hopeless romantic, Aljohn, dreams of finding Mr. Right without the help of algorithms set in most dating phone applications. After so many failed attempts, he then realizes that the scientific way of looking for the right one is his only option. But the question is, would he really find the love of his life under his thumb?
16. Escort Duty
Sergeant Red is a Philippine military soldier who escorted a volunteer teacher named John for security in the hinterlands. Their camaraderie takes an eventual turn when protecting each other goes beyond the call of duty.
17. Sina Alexa, Xander at ang Universe
Two siblings namely Alexa and Xander annually decorate their room into a Miss Universe arena and secretly pretend to be one of the contestants. Suddenly their lives were flabbergasted as something unexpected happened.
18. matt x teban
Matt and Teban are on the verge of a breakup when an invite to go to Manila serves as the last straw. They will try to rethink their decisions and the relationship they have.
19. Take Home
JINKY (Jann Aguilar) is a movie and television stylist who has always been a loner and a survivor. A recent tragedy struck her life with the unfortunate passing of her boyfriend. And while she still grieves, a new dilemma arises. She will have difficult choices to make.
20. Plus.Minus
Told in reverse chronological order, “PLUS.MINUS.” tells the story of Mark, an aspiring drag queen, and Alex, a guy he met online. Soon, the two find comfort in each other and create their own world out of desolated motel rooms.
21. Cut
A hopeless romantic, Aljohn, dreams of finding Mr. Right without the help of algorithms set in most dating phone applications. After so many failed attempts, he then realizes that the scientific way of looking for the right one is his only option. But the question is, would he really find the love of his life under his thumb?
22. Handuraw
Jacob and Adrian’s love were tested by time. They tried to hold unto it, yet it seems that the challenges were much powerful than their love.
23. Distances
Alone at her grandmother’s wake, a girl who has been estranged by her family makes an unlikely connection.
24. Ang korona ni Boyet
Boyet, a certified “gay kontesera,” joins gay beauty pageants as a living and hobby. One night, while preparing for the contest, he started reminiscing the past where his friends shared the story of their first experience. Soon enough, Boyet started sharing his own, too.
25. As if nothing happened
This is for Kyle. We don’t see him. Max’s journey as an unsent letter is being read. Images of bridges and random places that seem familiar. Clips from Max’s phone. Shots of people crossing who weren’t able to cross over. Fireworks that ended and started new meanings. People fighting for democracy. Peace that is nowhere to be found. All in fragments and fragile memory
26. Gasa sa Gugma
The night before Francis’ wedding is the moment when Leah, his fiancé, discovers his real identity. Francis being a gay man is so painful to his Dad and much more to Leah. Francis courageously admits his fault that leads to a heartbreaking breakup.
All these entries will be available for viewing to the public on YouTube for the whole festival week! Prepare yourselves for a binge-fest!
Exciting prizes await the award-winning films this year. The winning films will receive trophies and cash prizes ranging from P5,000 to P10,000. Other awards like Best Director and Best Screenplay will also be determined during the online Awards Night. The esteemed jury includes festival director Onin Estrella, award-winning independent filmmaker Jay Altajeros, and multi-awarded businessman, actor, producer, and philanthropist RS Francisco.
To know more about these films and the brains behind them, visit their Facebook page, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
