Apart from the notable tourist destinations in the province, Batangas is significantly known to be a nurturing ground of talented people who have gained recognition in various fields. December 2, 2012, the event hall of Gov. Modesto Castillo Cultural Center was packed with young talented Batangueño filmmakers who contended in the first Ala Eh! Film Festival.
Team members of the film festival finalists, chairpersons, and department heads from the participating schools attended the Gala Night. Our Provincial Tourism Officer Ms. Emelie Katigbak and Mr. Casiano Saniano, Executive Assistant of Hon. Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino of Tanauan City also graced the event.
Trailers of the Top 10 finalists were shown before presenting each team. It was at that point when thrill surrounded the entire venue as everyone caught glimpse of the film festival finalists.
The judging of the films transpired on Dec. 1 at Mr. Danny Dolor’s place in Lipa City and together with him were the other judges of the film festival – Mr. Francis Joseph Cruz (film critic), Mr. Ed Lejano (filmmaker), Mr. Lilit Reyes (scriptwriter), and Mr. Ed Cabagnot from the CCP Media Arts Division who was our resource speaker in the film clinic held in September.
And we are proud to present the winners of the first Ala Eh! Festival Film Fest. Together with the judges’ notes, they are as follow:
BEST POSTER
Pukaw – 1st
The Stoked – 2nd
Umis – 3rd
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – Pukaw and 5th Station
Judges’ notes: The two films that are cited for Best Production Design should be commended for their effective use of creating worlds that fluently communicated their director’s visions.
BEST SOUND – The Stoked
Judges’ notes: Despite of its use of unlicensed music, the film is cited for expertly providing an aural support and its efforts in highlighting the province’s beauty.
BEST SCREENPLAY – Agdong
Judges’ notes: For injecting restraint in the familiar story of a young photographer whose trip to Batangas reveals the landscapes of the province and his forgotten past.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – Pukaw
Judges’ notes: For its brilliant visualization which utilizes light and shadows of a town that feels trapped
between the past and the present.
BEST ACTOR – Melvin Llubit (Sundo)
Judges’ notes: For his authentic portrayal of a little boy from the province who bears his soul and his ambition to his cousin from the city.
BEST ACTRESS – Edna Gutierrez (Agdong)
Judges’ notes: For her restraint in her portrayal of a mother who has been holding a secret from her beloved son.
BEST DIRECTOR – Zoom Cee (Nang Suminsay ang Oras)
Judges’ notes: For his deft display of various styles and techniques in turning an ordinary tale into a unique experience.
The BEST FILM of the competition will be announced on December 8, the final day of the Ala Eh! Festival and will be awarded by Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto herself.
The film showing will run until Dec. 7, Friday. If you wish to see the Ala Eh! Festival 2012 Film Fest short film finalists, click here for the screening schedule. The screening also includes other movies done by renowned Batangueño indie filmmakers – Dennis Marasigan, Milo Tolentino, and new breed of film creators such as Ralph Quijano and Steve Cardona.