From enticing the taste buds, Nespresso, the global leader in coffee, opens the doors and invites Filipinos to enjoy a deeper, more enriching experience through the Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 Competition. Its newest initiative into the creative arts, the national competition brings together talented directors, cinematographers and storytellers and challenges them to share compelling narratives. For the inaugural edition, Nespresso, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, have chosen “pagmamamalasakit” as the theme.
“Like a great cup of coffee, these films become an all-sensory experience that allow you to reflect, think deep, and encourage others to do something different and amazing,” shares Patrick Pesengco, Managing Director, Novateur Coffee Concepts Inc. “We wanted to create an avenue where the Filipino’s talent for storytelling can be celebrated and shared with everyone.”
The Nespresso Vertical Shorts Competition is a celebration of innovation, passion and excellence in filmmaking, and the panel of judges – Pesengco joined by award-winning playwright, screenwriter, author and director Chris D. Martinez and president and CEO of Unitel Productions Inc and StraightShooters Media Madonna Tarrayo – will select the 3 winners from the 12 Finalists, which will premiere on August 6, Monday, 6 p.m., at the Little Theatre at the CCP.
Excited to make their debut on the big screen is Gian Arre’s Itay, Ira Lastrilla’s Kasama, Arjanmar Rebeta’s Love Others as Your Selfie, Ruby Baldevarona’s Ratsky, James Golla’s The Door; Juan Parohing’s Pedro Pasahero, Benny Pioquinto’s Takipsilim, Jonel Revistual’s Ako- To Take Responsibility, Brian Reyes’ SLN, Christan Tan’s Kapit Lang, Kevin Tuason’s Braveheart and Michael Sy Yu’s Yakap. Each short made by these young talented creatives tackles the challenging realities and bittersweet moments in the life of a Filipino, and audiences will assuredly be moved.
The Nespresso Vertical Shorts Competition was launched early June, and is open to all Filipinos, including those residing and working abroad. The entries will be part of the Cinemalaya Film Festival, which runs from August 3 to August 12, 2018.
Three finalists will be honored at the Awards Night on the last day of the festival with the first-place winner receiving P50,000 in cash, while the second and third place winners will be given P30,000 and P20,000, respectively. All winners will also take home state-of-the-art Nespresso machines and amazing coffee capsule packages.
“Congratulations to the finalists and winners! It was inspiring to see the pure, creative talents of this new generation of filmmakers, and we are excited to share with Filipino audiences their amazing stories. We encourage everyone to buy a ticket and support not only the films of our Nespresso Vertical Shorts finalists, but of all those who are taking part in the Cinemalaya Festival,” shares Tarrayo and Martinez.
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