CineMapúa, the country’s longest-running and much anticipated international student short film festival, has announced its call for 2024 entries with the theme “Celebrating Diversity Through Lens.” Its 21st cinematic gala aims to encourage Filipino and international student filmmakers to explore and capture the vibrance and fullness of cultural, social, and individual diversity through the powerful narrative of the film.
Dean Benigno Agapito, Jr., the head of the School of Media Studies and the event, stated they expect to receive visual stories that will unveil unique standpoints, experiences, and practices—leaving viewers contemplating the points raised.
“This year’s film festival promotes and advances a visual platform for cross-cultural insight and admiration. Using the theme “Celebrating Diversity Through Lens,” it aspires and intends to celebrate the multiplicity of storylines that make our world distinct and colorful,” said Dean Agapito.
As usual, the festival will have four categories: Collegiate, High School, All Mapúans, and the World Short Film Section. Upon successful screening, shortlisted entries will compete for the Top 10 slots in the first three categories. Meanwhile, foreign films will vie for a slot in the Top 20.
All submitted works will be judged according to the following criteria: Directing (20 points), Cinematography (15 points), Editing (15 points), Story Concept (15 points), Sound Design (15 points), Characterization (10 points), and Production Design (10 points). A panel of five notable judges, comprised of three Filipino and two foreign filmmakers, will determine the winners.
The deadline for the submission of short film entries is in October 2024 and the announcement of finalists and official entries will be in November 2024. Afterward, the shortlisted entries can be viewed through the film fest’s social media accounts and the Yuchengco Museum’s Y Films platform. The official winners will be revealed at ‘CineMapúa Gabi ng Parangal’ (CineMapúa Awards Night), which will be scheduled soon.
Cash prizes, customized CineMapúa trophies, and the prestige of being included among the best young amateur local and international filmmakers await winners. The competition will also allow participants to refine their craft through the best practices, techniques, film technology, and concepts demonstrated throughout the event.
“CineMapua promotes values through film production and depicts and preserves the values of social realities and cultural heritage, such as folklore, traditions, language, and social knowledge, with global perspectives. These are all because of the powerful narratives of CineMapúa film entries that shape human character and trends in filmmaking,” added Dean Agapito.
Last year, CineMapúa received 2,892 film entries from 108 countries worldwide. Organizers expect an even higher number of submissions this 2024.