Benilde film ‘Gandang Lola’ competes at Leeds, QCinema int’l filmfests

 De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde film alumnus Kylechandler Bigay is set to take his heartfelt short film “Gandang Lola” (Gorgeous Grandmother) to the 40th Leeds International Film Festival in the United Kingdom and the 14th QCinema International Film Festival in Metro Manila.

“Gandang Lola” centers on Dolores “Amor” Concepcion, a 67-year-old beautician managing a quiet, fading parlor. Through her tender bond with her grandson, Biboy, and her unexpected plunge into the vibrant world of a local neighborhood beauty pageant, Amor confronts the complex realities of aging, personal insecurities, and the journey toward self-acceptance.

The short film’s global journey kicks off in the UK at the 40th Leeds International Film Festival, where it has been selected for the Louis le Prince International Short Film Competition, an Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying category. Screenings will take place on the first week of November at Everyman Cinema Leeds, culminating in the awards ceremony on November 8.

“Gandang Lola” returns home for its Asian premiere as part of the QCShorts International lineup at the 14th QCinema International Film Festival, running from November 13 to 22.

The film stars veteran actress Peewee O’Hara as Amor, Zed Xyrus Martin as Biboy, Susan Africa, and Yani Villarosa. The production brings together producer Diokko Manuel Dionisio, associate producer Weia Chelsea, line producer Dominic Rivera, supervising producers Alec Berame, Wanggo Gallaga, and Bene Mendoza, cinematographer Vince Cenon, production designer Migo Morales, sound designer Enzo Agra, musical scorer Hans Rivera, editor Patrick Pangan, assistant director Franz Ojeda, production manager Yna Abiño, casting director Air Salazar, script continuity supervisor Kimberly Acosta, crowd director Eira Krizette Camara, set production associate Janno Pelias, camera operator Talia Bernardo, 1st asst. cameraman Simon Ico, 2nd asst. cameraman John Carlo Fernando, gaffer Lemmor Miguel Vitug, art directors Zildjian Mala Bayani and Mar-ian Ejandra, set decorators Nicolo Banawa and Ashley Nicole Espinosa, props master Asia Tamayo, hair and makeup artist Allen Pangilinan, costume designer Dominique Collantes, prosthetics artist Terry Dumagan, colorist Johmar Damiles, and visual effects artists Aelron Cruz and Louie Canieso, under Malaking Mata and Gilid Studios.

For Bigay, a Laguna native whose previous short film “Papa Xerox” was part of the official selection for Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival 2025 and named one of Rolling Stone Philippines’ Best Filipino Short Films that same year, “Gandang Lola” is deeply personal.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the narrative, the writer-director shared that the film is his “heartfelt love letter to every grandparent who has faced life's challenges and has given us the gift of unconditional love. This story is a celebration of the women who raised me, loved me, and taught me to see beauty not in perfection, but in perseverance and love.”

Bigay won Best Production Design at the 10th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition for his work in “Public Enemy Number One” and CineBedista 2023 for “Bata, Bata Ka Lang.” His film “Blooming Love” vied for awards at the 10th Cinemandirigma and the Manila Student Film Festival 2025. He was also chosen as one of the Filipino delegates for Platform BUSAN 2025.