Manila Film Festival 2024 reveals top eight student filmmakers

Eleven awards will be given, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Special awards such as People's Choice and Jury's Choice will also be presented.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 24, 2024 09:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The eight student films and the four short films of the featured directors are set topremiere at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) and will have theirtheatrical run from June 5 to 11, 2024.

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The top eight student filmmakers for the 2024 Manila Film Festival are presented at a recent media conference at the Manila City Hall. In the photo are (from left) Vhan Marco Molacruz, Cedrick Labadia,  John Pistol Carmen, Ronnie Ramos, Dwein Baltazar, Ed Cabagnot, Kren Yap, Joyce Ramos, Miko Biong, Charlie Garcia Vitug, and Adrian Renz Espino.

The City of Manila and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila, in association with KreativDen Entertainment, launched The Manila Film Festival (TMFF) 2024 as it presented the top eight student filmmakers in the short form category.

The festival has recognized the outstanding work of eight individuals out of the nearly 100 entries received from student filmmakers across the nation. 

These talented filmmakers have been awarded a P150,000 grant, a testament to their creativity and dedication to their craft. 

 

 

"TMFF aims to rejuvenate its commitment to transforming the historically prestigious and iconic city of the Philippines into a vibrant creative hub for Filipino arts and culture, particularly in cinema," festival director and consultant Ed Cabagnot, one of the founding members of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Ed began working in Philippine film in the early 1980s as a Film Programmer at the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines. For more than two decades, he was head of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Media Arts Department, where he organized cinema festivals and film workshops and managed the Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video. 

 

 

He was also one of the founding members of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and has served as a jury for several film festivals: QCinema International Film Festival (2016-2017), Pusan International Film Festival (2008), Berlinale’s Forum (2011), and Amsterdam’s IDFA International Documentary Festival (2013).

The TMFF celebrates the theme "Manila in Me," which highlights Manila as the City of Indefinite Possibilities and a Thousand Tales. It acknowledges that Manila resides in the sphere of dreams and aspirations in the minds of Filipinos everywhere - all around our islands and even in the hearts of overseas Filipinos.

 

 

The top eight entries are:

• An Kuan, Joyce Ramos (director), Pamantasan Ng Lungsod
• Bahay, Baboy, Bagyo, University of the Philippines Film Institute
• Ballad of a Blind Man, Charlie Garcia Vitug, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
• Ditas Pinamalas, Adrian Renz Espino, Adamson University
• Happy (M)others Day, Ronnie Ramos, University of the Philippines Film Institute
• Pinilakang Tabingi, John Pistol Carmen, Bicol University
• Una't Huling Sakay, Vhan Marco Molacruz, Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila
• threefor100: o ang tamang porma ng pag uukay at iba pang mga bagay-bagay, i think!, Cedrick Labadia,iACADEMY

 

 

Aside from the eight student filmmakers, TMFF has invited four respected young filmmakers to create short films alongside the student entries. They are:

• Lumang Tugtugin, Lorenzo "Pepe" Diokno (director), Madonna Tarrayo (producer)
• May at Niia, Sigrid Bernardo (director), Ava Yap (line producer)
• Nananahan, Dwein Baltazar (director), Iana Bernardez (line producer)
• Shortest Day, Longest Night, JP Habac (director), Maria Kristina Cruz (line producer)

ANIMA, an entertainment production studio that brings Filipino talent to the global stage, will produce these four feature films.

It has successfully released several highly acclaimed titles with global reach such as Hito, which won the Best Film for Live Action Short Film at the 2023 Vienna Shorts and Best Picture at the 2023 QCinema International Film Festival; Where Is The Lie (Marupok AF), which received Special Jury Recognition at the 2023 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, ad Leonor Will Never Die, a surreal drama film that accepted the Special Jury at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

The eight student films and the four short films of the featured directors are set to premiere at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) and will have their theatrical run from June 5 to 11, 2024. 

These movies will be screened at Robinson’s Movieworld – Manila and Robinson’s Movieworld – Magnolia (limited screening). A school tour of the films in key academic institutions all over the country has been planned.

The Manila Film Festival will culminate with the holding of its awards night at the MET on June 11.

Eleven awards will be given, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Special awards such as People's Choice and Jury's Choice will also be presented.

The members of this year's jury are Park Sungho, Asian Cinema programmer at the Busan International Film Festival; Bianca Balbuena, Head of Studios of Kroma Entertainment's ANIMA, Neil Daza, award-winning director, cinematographer, and photographer; Coreen "Monster Jimenez, producer of Leonor Will Never Die; and Eduardo "Dodo" Dayao, writer, screenwriter, and director.

The Manila Film Festival 2024 screening committee is a panel of judges consisting of established personalities in the arts, culture, and entertainment industry: Bianca Balbuena, Noah Tonga, Wanggo Gallaga, Mackie Galvez, Dido Camara, and DTCAM’s Charlie Dungo. 

Cayetano revolutionizes digital landscape with Konektadong Pinoy Act

PRESS RELEASE

May 24, 2024

Cayetano revolutionizes digital landscape with Konektadong Pinoy Act

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano took a significant step in bolstering the country's digital infrastructure and enhancing connectivity for all Filipinos after the Konektadong Pinoy Act was formally filed in the Senate as a committee report on Wednesday.

Senate Bill Number 2699, submitted jointly with the Committees on Public Services and Finance, on May 22, 2024, seeks to overhaul the nation's outdated telecommunications regulatory framework and align it with the requirements of the digital age.

Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, believes that by modernizing the country’s telecommunications landscape, the bill will address the barriers in connectivity like the longstanding issues on affordability, speed, and accessibility.

"We can no longer afford to be in the dark ages when it comes to the Internet and its accessibility to each and every Filipino,” he said.

Cayetano is joined by co-authors Senators Marcos, Gatchalian, Poe, Revilla Jr., Zubiri, Villanueva, Tulfo, Lapid, Estrada, and Legarda, to establish a comprehensive connectivity framework in the country.

The bill proposes four key reforms to ensure more reliable and affordable internet connectivity for everyone.

It aims to simplify the process for telecom companies to get approval, removing the need for a legislative franchise. This change is intended to increase competition, reduce costs, and improve service quality.

Additionally, the bill focuses on managing the radio spectrum more efficiently to enhance service quality and expand coverage.

The legislation also requires telecom companies to share infrastructure, which will lower operational costs and make it easier for new companies to enter the market, especially in areas that currently have little or no service.

Lastly, the Konektadong Pinoy Act sets performance standards to ensure the bill's effective implementation and protect the interests of Filipino consumers.

Cayetano envisions that government services will become more accessible to every Filipino with improved internet access streamlining bureaucratic procedures and enabling easier access to public information.

“The use of present technology affords the government the opportunity to bring itself and its services closer to the people,” he said.

The Konektadong Pinoy Act is slated for deliberation in Senate sessions. With the backing of government economic development agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), this bill represents a significant stride toward a more connected and empowered Philippines through affordable and reliable internet access.

With the Senate committee report filed, Filipinos can anticipate internet services that are both reasonably priced and of exceptional quality, particularly in unserved and underserved areas.

“We therefore must modernize our digital infrastructure to ensure that all Filipinos have access to, and the use of, affordable, quality, and up-to-date information and communication technologies,” Cayetano said.###

Debatte um Sparkurs: Diese Renten darf die Ampel wirklich kürzen

Stand:23.05.2024, 18:17 Uhr

Von: Max Schäfer Bei den Sparplänen des Bundes steht die Rente im Fokus. Aber sind Kürzungen dabei überhaupt möglich? In bestimmten Fällen schon.

Berlin – Die Ampel-Koalition streitet – wieder einmal – und die Leittragenden sind unter anderem die Rentner. Das eigentlich schon ausgehandelte und gemeinsam von Bundesarbeitsminister Hubertus Heil (SPD) und Finanzminister Christian Lindner (FDP) vorgestellte Rentenpaket II verzögerte sich zunächst. Zudem stellen die Liberalen die sogenannte Rente mit 63 in Frage. 

Angesichts des Spardrucks und des großen Haushaltspostens von jährlich 127 Milliarden Euro für die Rente stellt sich nun für viele die Frage, ob und inwiefern die Politik an der Rente sparen kann – wenn es denn Mehrheiten dafür gäbe.

Politik debattiert über Einsparungen bei der Rente – wo ist ein Handeln realistisch?

Denn zwar sprechen sich prominente FDP-Politiker für Einsparungen aus. Die Rente mit 63 etwa „ist teuer und schadet dem Arbeitsmarkt“, erklärte der rentenpolitische Sprecher der FDP, Pascal Kober. Sie setze „Fehlanreize“, heißt es. Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz erteilte den Sparplänen der FDP bei der Rente jedoch eine Absage. 

Die Ampel streitet um den Haushalt. Besonders bei der „Rente mit 63“ sieht die FDP Einsparpotenzial. © Michael Kappeler/dpa

Rentner können grundsätzlich jedoch beruhigt sein. Der Staat kann am Anspruch auf Auszahlung der Rente nicht rütteln. Auch die Höhe der Rente kann laut Focus nicht gesenkt werden – dank der Rentengarantie. Wer bereits im Ruhestand ist, behält also damit seine bisherigen Ansprüche. Tatsächlich gibt es auch keine Partei, die das fordert.

Wirtschaftsweise will Rentenerhöhungen verlangsamen – über Kopplung an Inflation

Die Politik kann die Rentenerhöhung jedoch verlangsamen. Dafür spricht sich etwa die Vorsitzende der sogenannten Wirtschaftsweisen, Monika Schnitzer, im Rahmen ihrer Forderung nach einer Rentenreform aus. „Die Zuwächse sollten begrenzt werden“, erklärte die Ökonomin. „Zurzeit sind die Rentenerhöhungen gekoppelt an die Lohnentwicklung. Das machen nur ganz wenige Länder so.“ 

Laden Sie HIER den großen Rentenratgeber kostenlos herunter.

Schnitzer fordert deshalb eine Orientierung an der Inflation. „Man ist weniger stark an der Wirtschaftsentwicklung beteiligt“, räumte die Wirtschaftsweise ein. „Aber die Kaufkraft bleibt zumindest erhalten.“

Bund kann Zuschüsse zu Renten streichen, wenn Mehrheiten da sind

Im Gegensatz zur regulären Rentenzahlung kann der Bund jedoch bei durch Steuerzuschüsse finanzierten Renten sparen. Das derzeit prominenteste Beispiel ist die abschlagsfreie Rente nach 45 Versicherungsjahren. Sollte die Ampel-Koalition ihren Streit beenden und Einigkeit zwischen SPD, FDP und Grünen herstellen, kann der Staat die umgangssprachliche Rente mit 63 tatsächlich abschaffen.

Für die Betroffenen bedeutet das eine Kürzung. Wer nach 45 Beitragsjahren früher als mit dem regulären Renteneintrittsalter von 67 in Rente geht, hat dann denselben Status wie übliche Frührentner, berichtete der Focus. Das bedeutet, sie erhalten prozentuale Einbußen auf jeden Monat, den sie sich früher in den Ruhestand verabschieden. Rentenzuschüsse für Ausbildung, Mutterschutz und in neuen Bundesländern können eingespart werden

Neben der Rente mit 63 gibt es auch durch Steuern finanzierte Rentenzuschüsse für die Zeit der Ausbildung in Schule und Studium sowie für die Dauer des Mutterschutzes und der Erziehungszeit. In den ostdeutschen Bundesländern erhöht der Bund laut Focus die Bewertung der Rentenzeiten. Diese Zuschüsse finanziert der Bund über das Steuersystem. Damit ist auch an dieser Stelle das Sparpotenzial vorhanden. Allerdings gilt auch hier die Voraussetzung, dass es eine politische Mehrheit für die Entscheidung gibt. Bisher gibt es keine prominenten Politiker, die eine solche Maßnahme fordern.

Auch bei der FDP geht es zunächst nicht darum, die Rentenzahlungen zu kürzen. Stattdessen wollen sie das Renteneintrittsalter erhöhen. Bundestagsfraktionschef Christian Dürr kann sich dabei auch eine Rente mit 72 vorstellen. (ms)

DA's P93.5-M Seed and Fertilizer Discount Voucher Program to benefit over 9K rice farmers in DdO

"Dako kaayu ning tabang in a way nga mapababa ang production cost sa farmer kay mao mana ang mithiin nga pababaon ang production cost pero pataason ang atong ani o yield para in the end of the day naa gyud mauli si farmer nga madala nga kita sa kanya-kanyang panimalay" said Floro B. Bernal, a beneficiary from Brgy. Dauman, Montevista. 

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, a Ceremonial Turnover of Seeds and Fertilizer Assistance under the Seed and Fertilizer Discount Voucher Program to rice farmers was successfully conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro through the Provincial Agriculturist's Office (PAGRO).

Over 300 farmer-beneficiaries across the province joined the ceremonial turnover at the Children's Park, Provincial Capitol Grounds, receiving agricultural inputs and vouchers that can be used to purchase discounted seeds and fertilizers from the preferred accredited merchants in their area and for one-time use only.

The Seed discount vouchers can be used by the farmer-beneficiaries to get hybrid rice seeds worth Php 5,000/ha with a maximum coverage of 10 ha while the fertilizer discount voucher is valued at Php 3,400/ha and includes vouchers for Soil Ameliorants for Micronutrients and Bio-Fertilizers at Php 1,000.00/ha.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga, in her message, saluted the farmers for their dedication as they are the most important sector in society, bringing food to each family's table.

"Ang among pagsaludo, pagrespeto, ug pagpasalamat, kanunay gayud kana magpadayun kaninyong mga mag-uuma labi na diri sa Davao de Oro. Mabuhay mong tanan, mabuhay ang mag-uuma sa Davao de Oro, mabuhay ang DA", Governor Gonzaga concluded.

According to PAGRO, DA has allocated more than Php 93.5 Million equivalent to 13,945 hectares (ha) of rice area for this program which will benefit a total of 9,352 rice farmers from the rice-producing municipalities in the province. 

The breakdown of farmer-beneficiaries per municipality included Compostela (2,746), Nabunturan (2,352), Monkayo (1,014), Mawab (835), New Bataan (807), Montevista (772), Maragusan (495), Laak (290), Maco (32), and Pantukan (9).

Yesterday marked the beginning of the assistance distribution and another schedule will continue in each respective municipality until June of this year.

Accompanying the Governor during the event were PAGRO head Jaime Anter, Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga, Regional Farmer Director Epifanio Loyola Jr., Regional Technical Dir. for Operations Marie Ann Constantino, Mayor Ruperto Gonzaga III, Mayor Myrocel Balili, Vice Mayor Rodel Balili and among others.

(Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by Rizalino Naval Jr.)