1st GAD Film Festival opens at WVSU-LC

Passionate to train, support, and develop the students of WVSU-LC to become a gender responsive future filmmakers, the Gender and Development Office and the School of Information Technology of the West Visayas State University Lambunao Campus held the First-ever GAD Film Festival 2013 by featuring 12 interesting short film entries during a premiere event last March 5, 2013, 9am at the university’s Audio Visual Room. The 12 film entries are “Balhas” by Edlyn Galan, “Something” by Hazel Lorezo, “Amora” by Gilberto Gelilang Jr., “Teenage Life” by Jeslie Legarde, “Sumpa” by Achell Crispino, “Bayad at Sukli” by Jo-R Leagogo, “Agat at Agong” by Mary Rose Elambre, “Believe” by Hazel Librando, “Saving PRVT. SGT. Alexander” by Charlz Lubas, “Kalayo” by Buencamino Dago Jr., “Buntog” by Antonette Semilla and “Handom” by Mary Joy Arcenal. Dressed-in-style ala Hollywood red-carpet premiere, the participating cast, crew and actors of the 12 short film entries graced the red carpet entrance and welcomed the guests. The entries were judge based on the artistic and technical appeal on cinematography, direction, originality and social relevance of the script. The movie poster of each film was also judge based on artistic originality and online voting. Ilonggo acoustic artist, Daniel Zedane provided musical entertainment in the event. A 10-minute teaser of the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival 2012 official entry, “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa,” an Ilonggo film by Palanca Hall of Fame writer and filmmaker Peter Solis Nery was unveiled at the event, set for a possible screening at WVSU Lambunao Campus next school year.

The new film festival is envisioned to be an annual event to support regional filmmaking in Western Visayas. GAD Coordinator Dr. Luna Loreno, School of Information Technology Director Dr. Isauro Sindol, Jr., IT Instructor Regie Roa and Audio Visual Room Supervisor Eden Fantilon with a support from Campus Administrator Dr. Dominador Lisao co-organized the annual filmmaking event. Budding independent filmmaker, artist and writer, Ronelo Ladiao is the guest speaker of the event and was one of the judges for the short film competition.