by Antonio Luis A. Carreon

Far Eastern University (FEU) professor Seymour Barros Sanchez received a Special Mention award for the screenplay of his short documentary 'Maria Leonor' during the third Dreamanila International Film Festival last November 22. 

The epistolary documentary written and directed by Sanchez centered on the continuous work of the Office of the Vice President despite the criticism and doubt in her capability to lead, especially during the pandemic. 

Among 500 submissions, Maria Leonor is among the 56 films selected to compete in the festival featuring several categories such as International Full Features, International Short Features, Philippine Shorts, and Screenwriting categories. 

The film’s premise originated from his ongoing full-length film “Leading Lady” which is being funded by the Centre for Global Business of the Monash Business School in Australia.

Maria Leonor is currently competing in the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions monthly showcase which features new and emerging indie content with the theme “fostering a digital connection with new global audiences, connecting them with a broad range of grassroots indie film talent.” 

Sanchez teaches Screenwriting, Documentary Production, Production Management, and Film Marketing at the university under the Digital Cinema track. He is also known as a freelance writer, content and creative producer, creative consultant, and a former producer for news and current affairs programs.

As of writing, the Maria Leonor can be streamed via The Dreamanila Network and in the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Campus Art website.

(Photo courtesy of Seymour Sanchez)