The Broadcast Communication Department of Foundation University held a one-day film festival titled “Lutas” last March 7 at the Robinsons Movie House.
The film festival featured short film projects written and directed by broadcast communication students from Foundation University. The film festival was one of the highlights of the 2014 University Expo, and “the featured short films were created to compel people to do something,” said Angela Bacang, one of the instructors in the BC department.
“Pukot,” for instance, is a film that tells the story of an old man who is on a journey to rediscovering his past, as he believes everything that is happening at present is a result of past experiences. Lilith Kugler, a freshman student who wrote and directed the film, believes that every person needs to become aware of their past and the impact it has on the present, because as shown in the film, “we are the sum total of our past.”
The film “Then and Now,” on the other hand, examines the factors that lead to violent and seemingly irreparable change which, according to Raoul Andrei Tatel, a freshman student who conceptualized the entire film, leaves people asking if the city of Dumaguete, a.k.a. the City of Gentle People, is still a safe place to live in. Tatel believes the juxtaposition of still photos from then and now, provides a clear picture of the transformation of Dumaguete from a peaceful city to a place filled with isolated shooting incidents and other violent occurrence.
According to Mark James Kho, adviser of the filmmakers, the film festival provides aspiring college student filmmakers with opportunities to show their films and receive hands-on training. Kho said he is very proud of how the film festival turned out, though he also believes there is still a lot more to learn and improve on.
The “Lutas” film fest, according to Kho, is dedicated to providing young filmmakers with the tools they need to take the next step in their careers as students and as future professionals. The festival also gave high school students the opportunity to interact with the filmmakers and ask questions about each and every film they have created.
Victor Vicente G. Sinco, vice president for finance and administration, said the “¹shorts”º were a very good start for the department and the students. “It illustrated that we have very good and talented students that have the ability to conjure a story line, draw the expected emotions at moments and also have the ability to technically produce the films.”
He also said he is pleased with the passion that the students have developed for their craft. “This would not have been possible without the mentoring of our FU instructors.»
A second showing will be scheduled soon for the public. (Paul Edward Bajas)
