Film Festival Brings to Silliman Country's Acclaimed Artists

Twenty-five students from Silliman University were given the chance to be trained by four of the well-known advocacy filmmakers in the country, as part of the golden anniversary celebration of the Cultural Affairs Committee.

The filmmaking seminar and workshop dubbed “Hasik” was conducted alongside the Active Vista Film Festival that also took place from September 5 to 8 at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium. Conveying the value of dignity, human rights and freedom through films is among the advocacies of both events.

Filipino artists Lourd Ernest De Veyra, Jade Francis Castro, Raymond Lee and Ditsi Carolino were the four who facilitated the workshop on September 6 to 8 at the Student Lounge of the Silliman University Alumni Council of Northern America Student Center.

De Veyra is a writer, journalist and musician. A Don Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee, he is known for his novel Super Panalo Sounds.  Castro is a known director and writer for several independent and mainstream movies such as “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Mazimo Oliveros,” “Endo,” and “My Amnesia Girl.”  Lee wrote some award-winning mainstream films like “Anak,” “Tanging Yaman,” and “Kailangan Kita.” He also produced the independent film “Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros.” Carolino is an international award-winning documentary filmmaker. She is known for her works “Bunso,” “Lupang Hinirang” and “Minsan lang Sila Bata.”

During the festival, four acclaimed independent films were screened: “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” “Amigo”, “Century of Birthing,” and “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa.” Entertainment personalities Marlon Rivera, Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro, Lav Diaz and Alvin Yapan were among those who graced the festival at the Luce.