Baao school wins 5th Peñafrancia f ilm fest
NAGA CITY – A jubilant production team composed of “INA KO” cast went up the stage to receive their trophy after their entry was adjudged best picture during the 2019 5th Penafrancia Short Film Festival (PSFF) awards night on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Unibersidad de Sta.Isabel (USI), here.
The occasion was graced by Archbishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, OCD. DD. “INA KO” bested eight other contenders coming from various senior high schools in the region.
Aside from bagging the top prize, “INA KO”, the winning entry of Baao National High School (NHS), also grabbed most of the major awards such as: Best Director; Best Actor; Outstanding Child Performer; and Best Cinematography.
The winning film centered on a young man’s struggle to be at peace with God after his mother died. His struggle was aggravated by the impending foreclosure of their house and lot that caused an immeasurable pain to the bereaved son named Lando who lost his faith in God.
His youngest sibling, Nino, despite his young age, hold on to his devotion and instead of grieving, finds ways to earn by forming Ina’s image out of clay and sells it to earn a living. An accident that nearly caused his life awakened Lando from his unfounded anger and turned him back to his faith as he regained his devotion to God and Ina.
Bearing the same message of faith and devotion are Sorsogon National HS’s Ba’gong Tipan (New Covenant) film, which won the 2nd Place and received other special awards: the People’s Award; and Best Actress Award.
“Panyo” (Handkerchief), a film by students of the the University of Nueva Caceres won 3rd place and got the Best Poster award.
The film “Day 193” from USI bagged the special award for Original Composition.
Other contenders that joined the competition include: Ateneo De Naga University Junior HS; La Consolacion Academy (Baao); Ligao NHS; Naga City School of Arts and Trades; and San Fernando NHS.
Since 2019 has been declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as the Year of the Youth, the theme for this year’s festival is “The Youth with Ina: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered.”
Fr. Louie Occiano, Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) chairman and PSFF project director said that the young filmmakers just proved, through their innovative creation of their films showcasing the Bicolano’s love for Ina, that they are indeed beloved, gifted and empowered.
“I would like to congratulate you all, dear young people for taking the challenge of our Holy Father. Pope Francis once said that the church needs young people like you, your enthusiasm, creativity and the joy that characterizes you.
The Holy Father likewise said, that you should not bury your talent, that you should give what God has given you. Do not be afraid to do great things,” Occiano said. (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)
The Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) Executive Committee headed by Fr. Louie Occiano, 5th Peñafrancia Short Film Festival Project Director. (JRMadrid-PIAV/Camarines Sur)