Star Powerhouse

  The Negrense independent short film “Those Little Things” has been selected to this year’s Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival as part of FRAMES: Filipino Short Film Exhibition. With the theme “Walang Kawala,” the festival spotlights filmmakers who harness cinema to challenge systemic violence, demand accountability, and safeguard human rights. The film transports viewers to a speculative, cyberpunk-infused Bacolod in the year 2222, weaving futuristic sci-fi worldbuilding with an intimate story about family and quiet resilience. Produced by Kwentista Produksyon, the narrative follows a teenager navigating an ordinary day with her father, using everyday interactions to shine a light on broader social realities, human dignity, and the profound emotional weight of lived experience. The production showcases a collaborative team of talents from Negros Occidental. Co-directed and co-produced by Poli Gonzales, who also handled the visual effects, and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa, who wro...

The Philippine film and video industry is often viewed through a lens of glamour, yet for aspiring creators, the path from the classroom to the studio can feel like a complex maze. To bridge this gap, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila recently hosted a multimedia seminar centered on “Philippine Film and Video Industry: Career Pathways and Opportunities.” Seymour Sanchez, an award-winning filmmaker, long-time film educator, and advocate for Philippine cinema, facilitated the session by giving his insights on the topic. Bringing his industry experience to the discussion, Sanchez was more than just a speaker. He also served as a navigator for the next generation of multimedia professionals. The filmmaker/film educator opened the discussion with a practical look at the diverse roles available in today’s digital landscape. He emphasized that while the industry is rooted in storytelling, the technical and strategic avenues have expanded increasingly. Sanchez encouraged students...