Adamson breathes new life into film culture

 Adamson University has extended its call for entries to the “PELIKUHA: Kwento. Kulay. Kultura,” a three-day film and photography festival until January 24.

PELIKUHA merges Realifilm and Deep Focus of Silip@Lente-AdU next month. Silip@Lente-AdU is a student film and photography organization which aims to support aspiring artists pursue their passion in these fields through workshops, projects, events, and other opportunities.

Realifilm is its annual film competition designed to promote filmmaking and empower would-be filmmakers by igniting their creativity and skills in storytelling, cinematography, and others, while Deep Focus is its yearly photography contest aimed at enhancing the talents of student photographers. 

Aside from PELIKUHA, the AdU Communication Department also screened four short films of its third-year students along with four others from the KOMCine Communication Film Group during the fourth anniversary of the KOMMotion Film Festival last November 26 at the Adamson University Theater.

“Bert, Tubero!” bagged the KOM Youth Excellence Award and Audience Choice Award for Dos Productions, and the Scene Stealer Award for Lianiah Camille Gabutin. The latter played Susmaryoshi Kyo-e, a wealthy Japanese matriarch who hired Bert, a plumber (“tubero”), to clean a clogged toilet. 

“Tagapagmasid” won the Cultural Spotlight Award for Avalon Productions. The film centers on Thea, an alien observer who is sent to Earth to determine if humans are worthy to join their galactic government. Everything changes when she meets Angel and her friends, who taught her what it means to be human.

“Mateo 7:15,” a mystery horror film by Trese Productions, revolves around Dess, who faces intense discrimination from her conservative parents because of her sexuality. Desperate to “correct” what they view as her rebellion, they send her to a mysterious facility that promises to “purify” the souls of sinners.

Another comedy short film by Amberella Films, “Outdo the Other,” talks about friendship and academic rivalry, as inspired by the personal stories of its directors and writers.

Fifteen more recognitions are expected to be given during the KOM Awards this May. 

KOMCine also showed “Diploma o Diskarte” by Kelvin Bacamante, “Episode” by Jackielou Almajose and Alyzza Mariano, “Kind Gestures” by Rebecca Dabalos, and “When is the Last Day of Grieving?” by Neil Carolino. 

The event was held in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Academic Film Society, and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel, which also screened the films online.

The AdU Cultural Affairs Office has also partnered with the Cultural Center of the Philippines in hosting CCP Cine Icons with the screening of “Anak” featuring National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee and ABS-CBN Film Restoration and Archives and Sagip Pelikula Head Leo Katigbak last October 8.

CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division Chief Mae Caralde, CCP Culture and Arts Officer Minda Casagan, AdU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rosula Reyes, College of Education and Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Gliceria Lunag, AdU CAO Director and Silip@Lente founding adviser Ma. Catherine Cequeña, and AdU Communication Department Chairperson Prof. Glenn Ace Parungao also graced the event.

AdU hopes to continue solidifying its partnerships with FDCP, CCP, and other organizations this year.