APD | “3rd Stories of Hope” film festival launched in the Philippines

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

Short films featuring success stories of ordinary people will remain the focus of the third “Istorya ng Pag-asa” (Stories of Hope) film festival sponsored by Vice President Ma. Leonor G. Robredo and supported by Ayala Foundation.

In simple launch ceremonies early Wednesday evening in Makati City, Vice President Robredo said their goal is to get the best accounts of ordinary people leading extraordinary lives, those who end successful despite all unimaginable odds.

“Now on its third edition, we will have a special focus on drug dependents who successfully underwent rehabilitation and have begun to lead normal lives,” Vice President Robredo said. She explained she and the organizers will also highlight mental illness because Philippine society usually have a stigma on people who seek professional help.

Film entries should be anywhere from three to five minutes in H.264 format.

Asked if she will also consider the success stories of migrant Filipinos, including overseas contract workers, Vice President Robredo said there have been a number of entries during the first and second editions but sadly did not make to the finals.

Nearly 200 hundred short films have been entered during the first two years. Winning filmmakers stand to win P100,000 (first prize) P50,000 (second prize) and P30,000 (third prize) aside from trophies. There will also be special prices for the Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, People’s Choice awards, among others.

All dialogues should be in Filipino or other dialects but should feature English subtitles.

Vice President Robredo said to their surprise, most of the entries came from areas outside Metropolitan Manila. Films produced between March 27,2019 until March 27,2020 are eligible for the contest.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)