Benilde Student Film "Arena" Heads to CCP's Gawad Alternatibo After US Victory

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Arena filmmaker Nicole Yvonne Lee with thesis mentor Seymour Sanchez

Young filmmakers' creative spirit and talent continue to shine as Nicole Yvonne Lee, a recent De La Salle-College of Benilde film graduate, brings her thesis film, "Arena," to the international stage. After securing a first-place victory in the 2023 Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) in the comedy category, "Arena" is set to compete as one of the short film finalists at the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video or Gawad Alternatibo. The film's success reflects the passion and dedication of its young storytellers, as they bring a heartwarming and comedic tale to the audience.

"Arena" revolves around a young boy in a neighborhood thumb wrestling tournament who faces a formidable opponent he can't seem to defeat. The 20-minute coming-of-age film stars talented actors Matthew Stanley, Shawn Niño Gabriel, and Miaka Mon, along with an ensemble of child actors who bring the story to life. With a blend of humor and heart, "Arena" captures the essence of youthful imagination and the determination to overcome challenges.

The success of "Arena" began to unfold when it claimed the top spot in the comedy category (18 years old or older) at the Student World Impact Film Festival. Based in New Jersey, this prestigious event attracted more than 13,000 submissions from 120 countries. SWIFF's mission centers around amplifying the voices of young storytellers from historically marginalized backgrounds, races, and cultures, giving them a platform to share their unique narratives with the world.

In addition to the SWIFF victory, "Arena" also received recognition in its home country, the Philippines. In April, the film became the inaugural recipient of the Benilde Best Thesis Film award at the Cinematheque Centre Manila. This acknowledgment showcased Nicole Yvonne Lee's creative prowess and ability to craft compelling stories through film.

Nicole Yvonne Lee's vision for "Arena" was brought to life with the collaboration and support of a dedicated team of creatives. From writing and directing to editing and co-producing, Lee's hands-on approach to the project showcased her commitment to her craft. She was joined by a talented team, including production manager Krissel Bernabe, director of photography Iezer Yap Magallon, production designer Grant Frondozo, and assistant director Ivan Balmaceda, who contributed their expertise to the film.

"Arena" now sets its sights on Gawad Alternatibo, Asia's longest-running independent film competition, established in 1987. The event is known for showcasing the best works of Filipino alternative storytelling and filmmaking. From August 5 to 7, audiences at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Cultural Center of the Philippines Blackbox Theatre) will have the opportunity to experience the creative brilliance of "Arena" alongside other noteworthy films.

As "Arena" continues its journey, it carries with it the dreams and aspirations of its young filmmakers. The film's comedic charm and heartwarming narrative have already captured the hearts of audiences at the Student World Impact Film Festival, and now, it is preparing to charm viewers at Gawad Alternatibo. Nicole Yvonne Lee's creative vision, along with the hard work and dedication of the entire team, has set "Arena" on a path to success, proving that storytelling can inspire, entertain, and unite audiences worldwide.

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