CEBU CITY – The Cebu International Film Festival (CEBU.IFF) announced recently the winners of the 13th Cebu International Film Festival 2024 during its awarding ceremony on March 15, 2025 via online viewing at its Facebook Page under the theme, “Pushing Boundaries Through Film"
CIFF trustees Lilu Alino and Marie Ernestine Denise Fajatin shared with this writer that this year’s winners are a celebration of an inspiring collection of films that pushed creative boundaries, told powerful stories, and showcased exceptional talent from around the world.
“We are proud to announce the winners of the 13th CIFF 2024 and we honor the visionary filmmakers who have made this year’s edition truly unforgettable,” Fajatin said.
The winners are: Best in Long Narrative—"Water Lilies” from South Korea; Best in Short Narrative— “Mi Unico Hijo” from the Philippines; Best in Student Film— “VAINGLORIOUS” from the United States; and Best in Short Documentary— “Indai Apai Darah” from Indonesia.
“Congratulations to all the winners! Your films have not only captivated our hearts but also showcased the power and diversity of global storytelling. We eagerly anticipate how your creative visions will continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide,” Alino said.
Synopsis of the four winning films
Best in Student Film – “VAINGLORIOUS” directed by Oshiomati Gabriel Ugbodaga is a gripping and emotionally charged film that tells the story of a skilled young boxer and his determined father, locked in a high-stakes battle within a traditional Nigerian boxing match. As their fists collide, so do their dreams, pride, and unwavering resilience—pushing them to their ultimate limits with everything they hold dear on the line.
Best in Short Documentary--"Indai Apai Darah” directed by Kynan Tegar is a beautifully crafted documentary that sheds light on the struggle and resilience of the Dayak Iban people of Sungai Utik, Indonesia who have fiercely protected their sacred forests against the rising tide of deforestation. Through the eyes of a young girl, the film weaves a touching tribute to the trees, rivers, and wisdom of the elders who have safeguarded their heritage for generations. A powerful love letter to nature and indigenous identity, Indai Apai Darah stands as a testament to the importance of preserving both culture and environment.
Best in Long Narrative--"WATER LILIES" directed by Chanho LEE is a poignant and deeply moving tale that follows Hyowon, an aspiring actress and Eunseo, a high school dropout, as they escape to Seoul in pursuit of dreams that shimmer like distant stars. Amid the city’s towering skyline and its shadowed corners, they navigate the fragile balance between hope and despair, tethered by unspoken struggles and the weight of survival. A story of longing, resilience, and the quiet pain of dreams deferred. This film captures the essence of human connection in a world that often demands more than it gives.
Best in Short Narrative--"MI UNICO HIJO" directed by Edzel Rebamontan is a compelling story that explores the clash between a child’s pursuit of happiness and a mother’s overprotective nature. It follows a young man at a crossroads—torn between fulfilling his mother’s expectations or chasing his dream of becoming a musician and discovering what life truly has in store for him. This is a powerful and heartfelt narrative that resonates with dreamers and storytellers alike.
It was a delightful surprise to meet Director Edzel Rebomontan, actress Veronica Reyes and film editor Bel Paquiz of “Mi Unico Hijo” here in Cebu with CIFF trustees Lilu Alino and Marie Ernestine Denise Fajatin at The Chocolate Chamber of Raquel Choa, Cebu’s Chocolate Queen, where a ceremonial awarding was done.
In an interview with this writer, Director
Edzel revealed that this film, “Mi Unico Hijo” is self-funded just like his
previous three films. He writes, directs and funds the production of his films and
submits to competitions to secure funding.
He said that his films, “Taya” (2016) and “Tobero” (2019) and “Mi Unico Hijo” (2024) were all submitted to competitions and only “Mi Unico Hijo” won. Edzel said, he shared the moment of discovery and the excitement of winning the award with his team.
Director Edzel shared the challenges of self-funding and the decision not to seek sponsorship to maintain creative freedom and control over their projects, including interference from producers and loss of creative control.
Director Edzel bared that the casting of Veronica for the role of a mother in the film was recommended by a celebrity friend and was approved by the creative consultant. Veronica expresses excitement about the role and the challenge of portraying a mother to a son in his late teens or early 20s.
She said that she looks up to her real mother and channels inspiration and is happy of the results. Veronica is transitioning to indie films for creative challenges and for the variety of roles and the passion behind them, despite the low budgets.
“I’m optimistic about the future of indie films, predicting increased appreciation and opportunities for international recognition,” she mentions a current project with Netflix, which is under a non-disclosure agreement, and her ongoing interest in indie films.
The “Mi Unico Hijo” team plans to write a short film feature and their dream of making a monster movie, that aims to push the Creature Feature genre beyond the horror genre and they are submitting the script to scriptwriting competitions for potential funding.
“The challenge still lies in defending the proposed cast and crew to financiers and maintaining creative control,” director Edzel said and expressed his appreciation to the CEBU.IFF for supporting diverse, risky and inclusive narratives in filmmaking and praises their approach to storytelling.
The Cebu International Film
Festival serves as the leading international platform to showcase world-class
films while also promoting Philippine-produced narrative, documentary, and animated
films to the rest of the world.
CEBU.IFF aims to gather global
filmmakers to celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking, promoting valuable
cross-cultural partnerships, and sharing inspirational stories across the
globe.
CEBU.IFF provides companies with unique and effective opportunities to reach a network of diverse, local and global communities and gives visibility to Cebu and open possibilities for other audiences to see the islands.
It also aims to revive the
Visayan film industry and further support the development of Philippine
produced films that have a global reach through training and workshops by noted
shakers in the industry, both local and global.
This will give credibility to Cebu's film
industry including creative talents, film schools and film support services. (Photos: MBCNewman)
1 comment:
On behalf of the cast and crew of "Mi Unico Hijo" we'd like to thank you for granting us this interview, it means so much to the film as well. God bless
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