Star Powerhouse

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, iACADEMY—a premier institution under STI Holdings known for its niche college courses—proudly launches the second edition of the iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab. This initiative continues its mission to empower filmmakers with regional backgrounds and concepts rooted in indigenous and regional themes, providing a platform to bring these projects to life. Presented in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), the program underscores a shared commitment to fostering film education and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. “The first edition counts newly minted award-winners among its mentees,” said Raquel Perez Wong, iACADEMY President and COO. “These include Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, co-directors of Tumandok —winner at Cinemalaya 2024—and iACADEMY’s own Cedrick Labadia, whose film Threefor100 won ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best ...