By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Serving as a testament to student filmmakers’ creative versatility, Sinepiyu XVIII: DIWA ‘Mula sa Lente ng Katauhan’ hailed musical film ‘Kahel’ as Best Film under the All Tamaraws Division during the Gabi ng Parangal at the Far Eastern University (FEU) Main Auditorium last May 7.

The short film also bagged Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score, clinching four out of eight nominations.

Directed by Garnet Morilla Llames and produced by Kuwerdas, Kahel centers on character Elias and his journey as he tries to achieve his dream of becoming a musician, while grappling with the harsh realities that come with it.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, Llames underlined the film’s message as aimed at passionate dreamers like Elias.

“Kahel is a musical short film about chasing dreams — for the dreamers who keep going no matter how hard it gets. In this 20-minute musical journey, the film explores passion, perseverance, and the courage to keep believing in yourself,” the director shared.

According to Llames, he was already planning to create a musical film ahead of the second semester, prompting Kahel’s concept.

Llames is also a musician, particularly a part of an indie-pop duo Justin + Garnet. As such, bagging Best Film made him feel acknowledged both as a storyteller and an aspiring musician.

“Since the film itself is about pursuing your passion despite the doubts and struggles, the experience felt incredibly surreal. Through Elias, the audience celebrated someone who kept believing in his dream — and somehow, it felt like they were celebrating me too, not only as a filmmaker, but also as an aspiring musician,” he shared.

Furthermore, the winning director emphasized his aim to open the door for more student filmmakers to explore the musical film genre.

“I am looking forward to seeing more musical films produced by students after Kahel being named Best Film at this year’s Sinepiyu. May this serve as proof that students can step outside their comfort zones and explore other creative approaches that have rarely been attempted before,” Llames remarked.

The communication student also expressed his gratitude to his production team who were integral in the success of the musical film.

“Most specifically, the leadership skills of our producer and production manager, Joharra Embalzado, who stood by the production throughout all of its highs and lows. Moreover, I would also like to show my gratitude to our musical director, Justin Niccolo Mariano, who  poured his heart out and co-wrote and produced the songs of Kahel. For the rest of the production, I’m deeply grateful for their collaboration and initiative towards our film,” he added.

Other short film awardees

Following Kahel under the All Tamaraws Division, ‘Oguima’ by 707 Films and Sigya Pelikula was awarded second Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Actor for Bodjie Pascua’s performance.

Meanwhile, Braindead Kidz Productions’ ‘Ani’ won third Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Vic Romano’s role.

Additionally, ‘Someday In May’ by The Orchid Collective bagged the Special Jury Prize and Best Film Poster. 

‘Sabel,’ directed by Monica Sumaway, also received Best Actress for Wilma Doesnt’s titular role, while ‘Malayang Daloy’ by Monica Calderon claimed Best Supporting Actress for Carla Zarcal’s performance.

Under the Interschool Narrative Category, Sinepiyu 18 awarded ‘Budang, Badidang, Bebang’ by Aika Sanchez as Best Narrative Film and Best Music/Score, while ‘Ang Pagmamahal ni Layla De Jesus’ by Pakak Studios and Malaking Mata was hailed Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.

On the other hand, ‘Coding si Papa’ by Michael Pogoy clinched Best Film Poster, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and Best Actor for Ariel Perino’s role.

Other awardees include ‘CISTA’ by KAT PILM STUDYO for Special Jury Prize and Best Sound Design, along with Abby Aparicio of ‘TAPHAW’ by INVISION Films for Best Actress.

Moreover, under the Experimental Category, ‘Nakakapagpabagabag Kapag Kinakabag Ka’ by Sandbox won Best Experimental Film and ‘Sunburn’ by Michael John Pedrajas claimed Honorable Mention.

Under the Documentary Category, ‘Asa ang mga salida sa Leyte? (Where are the films in Leyte?)’ by Lebron Ponce and Linus Masandag was awarded Best Documentary Film, while ‘Cemento’ by Justine Borlagdan earned Honorable Mention.

Sinepiyu is an annual film festival organized by the FEU Film Society. It is primarily participated by fourth-year FEU Communication Digital Cinema track students, while extending to other schools for select categories.

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)