STI Student Film Pabaon Enters 2024 MMFF x FDCP

By: Graceline Marcelo , December 5, 2024

Three students from STI College Ortigas-Cainta made their mark after their short film "Pabaon" was selected as one of the top ten finalists of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival x Film Development Council of the Philippines Student Short Film Competition.

BS Information Technology (BSIT) student Gwyneth Xyra Cruz and Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA) seniors Desiree Anne De Belen and Ralph Matthew Villafuerte, emerged among the 338 initial entries as they now await the official screening of their film in December.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is celebrating the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) by launching a nationwide short film competition for students. This platform aims to empower young filmmakers to showcase their creativity and storytelling skills.

The trio's journey was far from smooth as they had to cram the entire shooting schedule of the film in a single day on top of limited resources and balancing academic concerns.

"There was a moment on the day before the shoot where I almost gave up," said De Belen, the Director of the group. "I was feeling down and doubting myself because I had a rough week with all the deadlines I had to meet," she added.

Villafuerte, who was the Director of Photography and Film Editor, struggled with tight timelines and technical constraints. "I had a very short time to prepare," he shared.

"I had to make a storyboard and shot list in just two days, which resulted in an incomplete storyboard. At the time of shooting, I had little sleep and I was worried," he added.

"Who would think you can complete a short film within just a week? We're just students. We aren't pros," Cruz, the film's Writer and Co-Director, recalled.

However, for the group, passion knows no boundaries.

Through the guidance of their mentors, Bianca Galit and CJ Llaneta, from STI College Ortigas-Cainta, and Carl Penales of 35Noir Films, they transformed a simple creative impulse into a compelling narrative that is now the finalist "Pabaon."

"With the right people of like-minded passions, everything is possible," Villafuerte reflected on their collaborative journey.

"Don't be afraid to take risks," De Belen advises other aspiring filmmakers. "Some of the best stories come from stepping out of your comfort zone," she added.

"Being in BSIT did not stop me from pursuing filmmaking," Cruz shared. "Once you envisioned your goal; once you can see yourself as 'this' in the future, go for it," she said.

The film tells the story of a 12-year-old boy and a 50-peso bill, but it delves deeper into themes of ambition, judgment, and the importance of human connection.

"The film delves into how our ambitions and desires can sometimes cloud our judgment, leading us to overlook the deeper, more meaningful connections that truly shape who we are," De Belen explained.

This accomplishment earned the team a PhP20,000 cash incentive and the opportunity to premiere their film alongside full-length MMFF entries.