By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Three short films produced by Far Eastern University (FEU) Communication students and alumni were shortlisted as finalists in film festival Sinag Maynila 2025.

With the main categories comprising of Feature Film, Documentary, and Short Film, Sinag Maynila 2025 introduced a subcategory for student-made works within the Documentary and Short Film due to the influx of student entries this year.

The 25 student short film finalists include ‘Akin Ang Buhok Ko’ directed by FEU Batch 2025 alumnus Luke Salazar, ‘Boi’ by Batch 2023 graduate Luke Del Castillo, and ‘Kadigaguman’ by fourth-year student Zarrina Fernandez.

Initially submitted as a requirement for Salazar’s Introduction to Film course, Akin Ang Buhok Ko follows a story of a kid who wants to grow out his hair despite his parents' disapproval, tackling issues about personal rights and children’s bodily autonomy.

“This seemingly trivial story, though, reflects larger issues in the country, and we hope the film sparks discussions about how we view the personal rights and bodily autonomy of children,” Salazar explained in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Similarly produced as a final requirement for Del Castillo’s Directing and Film Production course, Boi is about a young man who struggles with socializing because he does not fit into the stereotypical image of a man, challenging the notion of toxic masculinity. 

“Gusto naming ipakita rito ang realidad ng bullying at hamunin ang kultura ng ‘toxic masculinity.’ Pinapakita namin na hindi nasusukat ang pagkatao ng isang tao sa pagiging mahinhin o malambot (We want to show the reality of bullying as well as challenge the culture of toxic masculinity. We highlight that a person’s identity cannot be measured by their softness),” Del Castillo stated.

On the other hand, Fernandez shared that Kadigaguman was a passion project that she worked on with her fellow filmmakers from Cavite, which highlights the loss of one’s identity and love’s capacity to veil abuse and oppression.

“Ang Kadigaguman ay patungkol sa buhay ni Tereon at Ely, at kung papaano ang pang-aabuso at oppression ay nagreresulta sa pagkawala at pagkalimot ng [sariling] identidad. Kung papaano ang pagmamahal ay maaaring maging maskara ng dominance, abuse, and fear (Kadigaguman is about the lives of Tereon and Ely and how abuse and oppression cases one to lose or forget their identity. It is about how love can be a mask of dominance, abuse, and fear),” she said in a separate online interview.

According to Fernandez, it is her first time being shortlisted in a nationwide film festival like Sinag Maynila, making her feel proud and grateful for the achievement.

Celebrating the film’s feat, she aims to inspire other regional filmmakers to take the same risk in submitting their works to film festivals.

“Since hindi madalas sa amin ‘yung mga ganitong film festival, gusto naming maging testament bilang Cavite filmmaker na ‘wag matakot sumugal sa pangarap, lalo sa pagpepelikula dahil lang sa stereotypes na [nakalakip] sa amin at sa arts (Since film festivals are rare in our region, we, as Cavite filmmakers, hope to be a testament for them to have courage in taking risks for their dreams, especially in filmmaking in spite of the stereotypes associated with us and the arts),” Fernandez highlighted.

Moreover, Salazar and Del Castillo both expressed their surprise as well as gratitude for their films’ enduring legacy, despite the fact that they had already graduated from the University.

“Nakakataba ng puso. Ilang taon na rin ang lumipas pero nabibigyan pa rin ng platform ang pelikula. Para sa amin, malaking bagay na patuloy na may espasyong ganito para makita ng mas maraming tao ang mga kuwento ng mga estudyante at aspiring filmmakers (It is heartwarming. Several years have passed but the film is still being given a platform. It is significant that there continues to be a space like this where people can see the stories of students and aspiring filmmakers),” Del Castillo expressed.

During Salazar’s time as an FEU student, Akin ang Buhok Ko was hailed Best Short Film and Best Direction at Likhang Mulat 2022, as well as Best Short Film at the Tamaraw Media Awards 2023. 

Meanwhile, Del Castillo’s Boi bagged 3rd Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Sound, and Best Actor at Sinepiyu XV: Liwayway, along with 3rd Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at Gawad Sining Short Film Festival 2023. 

All official finalist films will be screened at commercial cinemas including Ayala, Gateway, Robinsons, and SM from September 24 to 30, with the awards ceremony taking place on September 28 at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

Sinag Maynila is a film festival founded by Solar Entertainment Corporation President Wilson Tieng and internationally acclaimed Director Brillante Mendoza, which aims to foster local independent cinema.

(Photos courtesy of Zarrina Fernandez, Likhang Mulat: The FEU Film Movements Festival, and Talahib Films Facebook pages)