Benilde Film Graduates Shine Bright at Gawad Alternatibo

The 35th edition of the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, popularly known as Gawad Alternatibo, recently concluded, celebrating the finest talents in alternative filmmaking from across Asia. Among the standout winners were graduates from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's esteemed Film program. These young creatives showcased their exceptional skills and innovative storytelling, once again solidifying Benilde's reputation as a breeding ground for cinematic excellence.

Leading the Benilde Film winners was Chauncy Cruz, a recent graduate of DLS-CSB, whose capstone project "Sa Mga Mata ng Bata" (Through the Eyes of a Child) secured the third prize in the highly competitive competition. Just two months prior, this thought-provoking film had also garnered attention at the Diwa Filipino Film Festival in Seattle.

"Sa Mga Mata ng Bata" delves into the story of Philip (Kenshin Lagutan), a young grade school student who idolizes his father, Freddy (Adrian Castañares), a politician. However, Philip's perception of his father undergoes a drastic transformation as he uncovers the truth about his father's actions. The film masterfully navigates themes of heroism, disillusionment, and the complexities of family relationships. As Philip grapples with his class presentation about his father, he seeks Freddy's guidance, leading to a touching yet revealing series of events that unravel before the audience's eyes.

Cruz, the driving force behind the film as its director, editor, and screenwriter, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the collaborative effort that brought his vision to life. With guidance from Benilde Film program chair Jose Javier "Direk Joey" Reyes and thesis mentor and creative producer Seymour Sanchez, Cruz's work flourished. The film was a product of dedicated teamwork, with talents such as co-executive producer Jhoana Rabino, director of photography and colorist John Lexter Laguinday, assistant director Corlisse Nicolas, and many others contributing to its success.

The filmmaker humbly shared, "It's a very surreal feeling to get recognized by institutions like Gawad Alternatibo, and it's still not processing, but at the same time, it's such an honor. It's all thanks to the people in the film's rolling credits because I just wanted to make a simple short thesis film, but the people who supported, guided, and helped me made it festival-worthy."

Cruz's triumph wasn't the sole victory for Benilde's Film program. Vahn Leinard Pascual, Giancarlo P. Barredo, Eira Krizette Camara, and Grant "Augustine" Franzuela secured honorable mention awards in various categories, demonstrating the program's diverse strengths in short features, experimental films, animations, and documentaries.

In the animation category, Benildean Animation graduate Arlo Jhan Bayot took home second place and the best regional entry award for his work "Dati" (Before). The animated masterpiece explores the lives of two brothers living in a secluded paradise in the Philippines. Their tranquil existence is disrupted when an unexpected guest draws attention to their sanctuary, subjecting them to the challenges of uncontrolled urbanization.

Gawad Alternatibo, established in 1987, remains a crucial platform for promoting Filipino alternative storytelling and filmmaking. The competition consistently sheds light on the ingenuity and creativity of emerging filmmakers, propelling their narratives to wider audiences. As the festival concluded, the remarkable films that graced the event remain accessible through the Cinemata streaming platform, allowing viewers to experience the power of alternative storytelling firsthand.

Once again, Benilde Film has proven its significance in nurturing the next generation of cinematic visionaries, who, armed with their unique perspectives, continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and redefine the landscape of independent cinema. The accolades earned at Gawad Alternatibo are a testament to their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the art of filmmaking.