Two Viscan-made film pitches emerged as qualifiers for the Mga Kwento ng Klima Short Films 2024 (MKK Shorts 2024), a competition for filmmakers launched by the Oscar M. Lopez Center to capture the climate crisis experience of Filipinos.

Aspiring Viscan filmmakers from the SILAKBO organization pitched their entries, "Handom sa Natugbong Yuta (Memories of the Collapsed Land)" and “Prince of Tides” which are centered on the impacts of climate change in the region.

The two film pitches were selected as one of the Top 15 qualifiers of MKK Shorts 2024 out of 76 film pitches across the country and will receive a Production Seed Fund of Php 30,000 each.

According to Aveguel Sinangote, a senior development communication student and the leader of the SILAKBO team, their prime goal in pitching their films to the MKK Shorts is to share their stories and advocacies with a wider audience.

“We believe that film is a powerful medium to inspire change and spark conversations about important issues. Participating in this platform allows us to showcase our creativity, connect with other filmmakers, and contribute to the community by highlighting diverse perspectives and experiences. Additionally, the recognition and feedback we receive from such a prestigious platform motivate us to continue honing our craft and making a positive impact through our films,” Sinangote shared.

She added that the creation of the SILAKBO organization stemmed from the absence of film-related programs and organizations at the university during the summer. As of this writing, the organization is processing the request and needed papers for their accreditation.

“My friends and I, each with different advocacies but a collective passion for films, wanted to create a space where film enthusiasts could come together, bond, and learn from each other. We aimed to share our own stories derived from our individual advocacies.”

About the two film pitches

The first entry "Handom sa Natugbong Yuta (Memories of the Collapsed Land)" is a story about a scientist exploring loss, tragedy, and aspirations on the land where memories were crumpled and collapsed.

According to Sinangote, the narrative is set against the backdrop of a devastating landslide triggered by extreme heavy rainfall during Tropical Storm Megi (Agaton) in 2022, which left lives and homes in ruins in Baybay City, Leyte.

“The story captures the personal and collective grief of the affected community while highlighting the efforts of a soil scientist who investigates the causes of such deadly disasters. By examining the landslide's soil topography, geology, and the community’s geography, the scientist seeks to understand how extreme weather conditions contribute to these tragedies. The narrative is deeply rooted in thorough research on the dangers of extreme weather, and it features personal anguish drawn from the real-life experiences of a landslide survivor,” she highlighted.

Meanwhile, “Prince of Tides," recounts the final memory of Kiko and his grandfather during one last fishing trip before they move away from their coastal community.

“The film highlights the population displacement among coastal communities in Leyte, driven by the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and frequent storm surges. Through their poignant journey, the film not only exposes the harsh realities faced by these communities but also delves into the profound emotional impact of leaving their homes behind.”

While given two months for the film production, the SILAKBO team is doing the groundwork and is currently in the pre-production phase. They conducted cast scouting at the VSU Eco-park and within various departments and finalized the actors and crew for both films.

“I have immense trust in my team because they didn’t join SILAKBO just for nothing; they joined because they are eager to share their talents and skills with the organization, understanding the great responsibility that comes with it. We’ve built this organization together, and now as we begin our production of two films, I have full confidence in their abilities and dedication to making our film a success. We hope to bring our passion and creativity to life and create something truly remarkable.”

Future plans of SILAKBO

Sinangote revealed that one of SILAKBO’s projects is to conduct filmmaking workshops for aspiring young filmmakers in the surrounding communities of VSU, given that in Baybay City, there is a lack of film-related opportunities.

“As the leader of SILAKBO, my aspirations for the group are to inspire and nurture a love for filmmaking and storytelling in our region. I also hope that through SILAKBO, we can reignite the creative spark in our fellow students who may have lost their passion for creativity.”

The future workshops that they will organize aim at helping aspiring filmmakers pursue their passion and improve their craft even with limited resources in the region.

“Our organization is founded on layered advocacies, aiming to reach those who have distanced themselves from their creative pursuits and those who are eager to learn about filmmaking. I affirm to focus on creating an inclusive platform where aspiring filmmakers can fully utilize their talents and strengths within and outside the university; where the advocacy of mirroring what truly happens in our society is showcased as essential stories to tell the world through creative lenses in films.”

With their busy schedule, Sinangote revealed that membership applications to the SILAKBO organization will be accommodated in the second semester. 

The SILAKBO team will vie for the Top 10 films which will be judged based on their “technical excellence and strong climate storytelling” and will receive an additional Php 70,000. The selected 10 films will then advance to the final judging and awarding ceremony.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals: 4 (Quality Education) and 13 (Climate Action).]

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