By Robert Requintina
Published May 28, 2025 07:15 am
Director Gayle Oblea holds the trophies won by the short film 'As the Moth Flies' at the inaugural Famas Short Film Festival held in Greenhills, San Juan, recently. (Facebook)
"As the Moth Flies," a movie about mental illness, recently won big at the first Famas Short Film Festival 2025 in Greenhills.
The film received accolades for Best Picture, Best Actress, Mina Cruz, and Best Editing, Gaylde Oblea, and Noah del Rosario.
Gayle, writer and director for "As the Moth Flies," accepted the trophy for Best Picture during the award ceremony. She dedicated her victory to people who suffer in silence.
"'As the Moth Flies' was born from a place we spent years running from. In making it, we were forced to face every buried fear, every unspoken wound, every inner demon I thought I had silenced. And through that confrontation, we found something greater than healing—we found purpose," said Gayle as she received the award.
Gayle added: "This film is not just a story. It’s a bridge. A bridge for those who suffer in silence and those who’ve never understood what that silence feels like. Because cinema has the power to do what words alone cannot— it makes people think.
"This award is not just a celebration. It’s a responsibility. A reminder that storytelling is a calling — and that films shouldn’t just be made to entertain. It should be a medium to inspire and open topics that people fear discussing.
"Getting this award, we promise to continue to create films that make people feel. Because feeling is where understanding begins. And understanding is where the stigma ends.
"To my team who stood by me, who believed in this vision even when it was heavy — thank you. You reminded me that filmmaking isn’t just about talent. It’s about trust. It’s about courage. It’s about community.
"To the cast, Boo (Gabunada), Mina (Cruz), and Tito Epy (Quizon) who believed in this story— thank you for holding this vision with me. You didn’t just help make a film. You helped build a movement.
"To my producers, Rav and Happy, thank you for believing in this film and standing with me like brothers. You carried this vision with strength, faith, and loyalty through every high and heartbreak. I couldn’t have done this without you.
"And to my boy and the rest who see the world differently. Who feels the world differently? I dedicate this to you, and I hope this serves as a reminder that our compassion, imagination, and sensitivity are not weaknesses — they are superpowers.
"Above all, I dedicate this award to God, who authored this story long before I could write it," said Gayle.
Mina could not attend the ceremony but thanked the award-giving body in a post on social media.
"It is humbling to be nominated alongside Ms. Via Antonio, Ms. Irma Adlawan, Ms. Sherry Lara, the young actresses Ms. Maricar Bojos, and Ms. Juvy Ann Clarito, who also directed her film.
"I hope more people get to see our work and appreciate that as actors, we continue to nurture our skills, and we work just as hard," Mina said.
The 1st Famas Short Film Festival, organized by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences and presented by REMS Entertainment, was officially launched by festival director Gabby Ramos and FAMAS president Francia Conrado.
Gabby created the short film festival because he believes that short filmmakers will be the next generation of Filipino cinema filmmakers.
The complete list of winners:
Best Picture: "As The Moth Flies"
Best Actress: Mina Cruz (As The Moth Flies)
Best Actor: Soliman Cruz (Ang Huling Liham)
Best Child Performer/Actor: Earl Quintana (Parapo)
Best Director: Jhonny Bobier (Parapo)
Best Screenplay: "Kita Mo 'To?'
Best Cinematography: "Parapo"
Best Editing: "As The Moth Flies"
Best Music & Sound Design: "Kiyaw"
Best Production Design: "One Day, Three Autumns"
Best Advocacy Film: "Hello, Mr. Jenkins" and "Benepisyo"
Best Regional Film: "Pagtaghoy sa Hangin"
Best Documentary Film: "No Man Left Behind"
