TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, in collaboration with Viva, a premier multi-media company, has officially unveiled the top 5 entries for the #ForYouPelikula Short Film Festival. This revelation signifies a milestone in the festival’s mission to foster the emerging Philippine short film industry and empower up-and-coming filmmakers and storytellers.
From October 2nd to October 22nd, the Philippine creative community was invited to participate in the #ForYouPelikula Short Film Festival. Submissions ranged from 1 to 3 minutes in length and were crafted by creators and storytellers from various corners of the nation, each contributing their unique narrative to the festival.
A panel of experts, including executives from TikTok and Viva, conducted a rigorous review of all submissions. From the wealth of talent showcased in the entries, the top 5 finalists were identified for their exceptional storytelling abilities and creative vision. According to TikTok, these submissions not only resonate with younger audiences but are also poised to earn recognition on a broader scale, potentially influencing the local short film industry’s future.
The top 5 finalists are:
Kismet by Direk Gen (@directedbygen)
“Kismet” is a heartfelt short film that explores the bittersweet moments and profound questions surrounding love, destiny, and the importance of cherishing every second together.
Nomi by Pelikula ni Romano (@pelikulaniromano)
“Nomi” explores a young man’s day at the beach with friends, but it takes a dramatic turn, delving into themes of grief and the haunting aftermath of a past tragedy.
A short film idea by Novy Recate (@novyrecate)
Novy’s entry is a contemplative short film idea that delves into the complexities of a couple’s future, sparked by the prospect of winning a 600 million-peso lotto jackpot during a fateful weekend getaway.
A short film idea by scenki (@scenkiii)
Scenki’s entry presents a mind-bending short film concept where a chance encounter with a mysterious phone app allows the protagonist to explore their past and future selves, raising questions of identity, choices, and how to reconcile the two.
Kambal by AManFullOfBadIdeas (@amanfullofbadideas)
“Kambal” is a suspenseful short film idea that revolves around identity and the complexities of sibling relationships. With an unexpected twist, it explores themes of self-worth, the impact of societal expectations, and the unspoken emotions within a family.
Julie Zhu, Entertainment Lead, Philippines, TikTok remarked, “Throughout the period of video entries, we’ve witnessed an incredible outpouring of support from the community, all coming together to celebrate the vibrant storytelling culture of the Philippines. The quality of entries has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing the boundless creativity that thrives within our community. We look forward to seeing the top 5 entries come to life on the big screen through our collaboration with Viva.”
Furthermore, these entries will be transformed from imaginative concepts into silver-screen-worthy productions through Viva, with the inclusion of professional actors in the production.
The grand culmination of the festival is set to take place at the #ForYouPelikula Awards Night on November 28, 2023, at Venice Grand Canal, Venice Cineplex Cinema 5. This much-anticipated event will witness the top 5 original submissions contending for the Best Entry Award, showcasing the finest of the Philippine short film community. Simultaneously, the Best Short Film Award, chosen from the Viva-produced films, will be unveiled, marking a momentous occasion for these budding storytellers. Both accolades come with a significant reward, as each winner will receive a cash prize of P50,000.