Benildean filmmakers win big at UP’s POV, FEU’s Sinepiyu

Student filmmakers from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recently bagged major awards at the University of the Philippines’ Piling Obrang Vidyo XXII: Kalampag ng Kulay and Far Eastern University’s Sinepiyu XVIII: DIWA “Mula sa Lente ng Katauhan.”

Leading the charge for Benilde were the student films “Budang, Badidang, Bebang” and “Ang Pagmamahal ni Layla De Jesus,” both of which earned critical nods and multiple trophies across major technical and narrative categories.

Directed by Aika Sanchez, “Budang, Badidang, Bebang” follows three pregnant childhood friends navigating a deep personal conflict to rebuild their bond. Rooted in themes of womanhood and resilient female friendships, the thesis film resonated heavily with both critics and audiences alike.

The film won Best Narrative Film and Best Music/Score in the Interschool Division of Sinepiyu. It also garnered nominations for Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography.

“Budang, Badidang, Bebang” also clinched the Viewer’s Choice Award, Best Production Design for Dominic Rivera, and Best Musical Score for Cocoy Del Valle, Tia Pallones, Mcaine Carlos, and Cedrick Marquez at POV. It also earned nominations for Best Direction, Best Performance, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.

“Upon making this film, my only goal was to let people know what kind of filmmaker I am and what kind of stories I want to tell. I took many detours in my journey as a film student, even to the point where I had to quit, convinced that I was not meant for filmmaking at all… This production and this film opened a new perspective for me and reminded me why I took AB Film five years ago in the first place,” Sanchez revealed.

The film’s vivid world-building was spearheaded by Rivera, who utilized Filipino maximalism, community-centric set designs, and a distinct color palette (pink, yellow, and purple) to symbolize womanhood, friendship, and power.

Meanwhile, “Ang Pagmamahal ni Layla De Jesus,” written and directed by Kimberly Acosta, made a stellar festival debut at Sinepiyu. The film emerged as a heavyweight in the Interschool Division, winning Best Direction for Acosta, Best Cinematography for Lemmor Miguel Vitug, and Best Production Design for Jara Vallejo and Bryce De Vera.

“Ang Pagmamahal ni Layla De Jesus” follows a reserved antique shop worker experiencing strange, supernatural occurrences until a mysterious stranger arrives during a storm. The film stood out for its atmospheric storytelling and high technical execution.

Acosta dedicated the film to “the women in our lives who make us realize we are beautiful.”

“Winning awards for Best Cinematography, Production Design, and Best Direction fills me with deep gratitude and love for all the wonderful people I collaborated with. It has also allowed me to see myself in a different perspective, reminding me that the small stories once living in my head can make people see and feel things in a strange magical way,” the filmmaker shared.

In addition, actors Vanessa Fe Feje and Fe Gingging Hyde took home the Best Performance award and Mathew Gabriel Sabinicio got the Best Poster prize at POV for “Ang Kabug aton sa Nangabilin” (The Weight of What Remains) by fellow Benildean filmmakers Herald Christian Guillena and Ma. Katrina Rustia.

Both festivals emphasized the critical role of youth cinema in shaping social consciousness. FEU’s Sinepiyu focused on authentic human storytelling amid the rise of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.

Four days later, UP Cinema hosted POV, celebrating student art as a vital tool for social commentary and resistance.

Through their celebrated triumphs, Benilde’s emerging filmmakers have proven that their voices are not only distinct in craft but essential to the evolving landscape of Philippine cinema.