By Lynette Joy A. Pasajol

Drawing from the personal experiences of intense sports rivalries to the warmth of found family, two student filmmakers from Far Eastern University (FEU) were selected to participate in the ‘2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.’

Both full-length and student short films were screened at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to 25.

Communication students Kenneth Flores and Jasper Tan showcased their short films ‘1… 2… Strike!!!’ and ‘Sa Pagbunga’ in the festival’s student shorts category.

Flores’ short film entry was recognized as a winner of the Responsableng Paglikha award.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Flores shared that ‘1… 2… Strike!!!’ was a deeply personal project, drawing from his experience as a sepak takraw player.

“Being part of a CinePanalo entry last year, I was really motivated to try and make a story… I really wanted to write something personal and close to my heart… I put some thought into it, then the sport sepak takraw came to mind,” he said. 

His initial film concept was about a grandmother’s love, but after his producer rejected it, he shifted his focus to a story of camaraderie and competition in sports.

Moreover, Flores’ background in the sport allowed him to create a realistic depiction of high school athletes navigating the pressures of sepak takraw competition.

“It was easy to tell a story about what happens inside the court due to my firsthand experience with the sport… There’s pride, arrogance, and grit amongst the characters due to a competitive environment, but at the end of the day, they’re still high school students trying to prove something amongst themselves,” he shared. 

Despite receiving a production grant, Flores said that the team faced budget constraints early in the process.

“Although we were supported by a grant, we were immediately faced with budget concerns due to the large scale of the film. Luckily, we gathered a few more sponsors that supported our project,” he stated.

Reflecting on his journey, Flores shared how FEU played a role in his shift to filmmaking.

“I’m always proud to tell my story of being a shiftee. I was a BS Architecture student during my early years in FEU, but later found my passion in doing art and telling stories through the lens”, he said.

For him, winning was an achievement, but the most fulfilling part of the experience was seeing his script come to life and learning from fellow filmmakers.

“Puregold CinePanalo really paves a way for aspiring filmmakers like me to immerse ourselves and to tell different stories. I’m blessed to have my script being transformed into picture, and I’m lucky enough to have our own film to be screened at a big cinema with lots of people watching,” the Communication student shared.

While Flores found his voice in stories of sports and camaraderie, Tan took a different approach, bringing a deeply personal narrative to the screen with ‘Sa Pagbunga.’

Tan shared that he directed a film originally written by his friend, Aaron Joshua Natividad, for a screenwriting class.

“I knew then that I wanted to see it come to life. He [Natividad] wanted me to direct it, but I was really hesitant at first since it was a type of story that does not speak the same language as my voice as a filmmaker. But I kept on thinking about it and I know that the concept is too good for me to turn it down,” Tan explained.

In the film, the character of Ely was inspired by Natividad’s grandfather, who played a significant role in his friend’s life despite not being related by blood.

“He told me that they were not really related by blood, but Ely loved Aaron like he was his own grandson. I also took bits and pieces from my Papa and Lolo as I started revising it, as they share the same characteristics that somehow made the character whole,” Tan shared.

Balancing the production schedule with academic responsibilities proved to be one of the biggest hurdles in bringing the film to life.

Tan reflected on how FEU played a role in his filmmaking journey, particularly by fostering a community of like-minded individuals.

“FEU gave me like-minded people that are crazy enough to do what we want to do. I am so blessed with my production crew and the connection we built is really something. Also, mentors that are always open arms when guiding young filmmakers like me,” he said.

Tan is currently working on a new film project, ‘Ang Embalsamador, Baliw, at Bangkay,’ which he says is helping him embrace his creative identity.

“With this film, I’m deciding and fully embracing what kind of voice I have as a filmmaker. It’s a real challenge, but I am so excited with this one,” he said.

The film festival was judged by a panel of industry experts, including Festival Director Christopher Cahilig, Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Republic Creative Creations representative Sonny Bautista, directors Emmanuel Dela Cruz and Victor Villanueva, film critic Lito Zulueta, filmmakers Jeffrey Jeturian and Mae Cruz-Alviar, writer-producer Moira Lang, and ‘Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’ director Tiina Lokk.

Now in its second year, CinePanalo showcased eight full-length films and 24 student short films under the theme ‘Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay.’

Among the top winners of the festival were ‘Salum’ by TM Malones in the full-length category and ‘Champ Green’ by Clyde Cuizon Gamale in the student shorts division, both awarded the Pinakapanalong Pelikula.

The awarding ceremony took place at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City last March 19.

(Photos courtesy of Kenneth Flores and Jasper Tan)