De La Salle University- Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) student thesis film Ye Keda Nuway (Misdirected) was awarded by the 2022 Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) with an Honorable Mention – an award given to finalists who have exhibited outstanding distinction and performance.
The film “Misdirected” made by DLSU-D Communication students Erika Reyes, Patrick Adam Cimacio, Shane Jhastin Picson, and Vincent Rodriguez, was recognized by the United States-based festival after receiving four major nominations including the Global Impact Grand Prize for Championing Diversity and Culture, Emerging Film Visionary Award, Global Impact Grand Prize, and Global Impact Grand Jury Award.
The Honorable Mention comes with exclusive access to a job board portal that will be available later this year for the winning students, allowing them to apply for film-related jobs from American film companies such as A24, ABC, Amazon Prime Video Studios, and NBCUniversal.
The Philippine-made student film made the SWIFF finals, besting 5000 entries from 100 countries, after receiving positive comments for its striking visuals, impactful message, and being artistically unique and creative.
Misdirected is a 23-minute short film about movie directors and the challenges they faced during the pandemic. It also encompasses the emerging directing styles, the different facets of being a director, and how they adapted to the changing times.
Misdirected’s director Erika Reyes said the team is grateful for the nominations and the Honorable Mention which was confirmed on November 17 via an email announcement.
“It’s [nominations] so grand. Great honor kasi narecognize yung film namin internationally, and it feels like a dream na makakuha ng ganong award and nominations,” said Reyes to Good News Pilipinas.
(It’s [nominations] so grand. It’s a great honor because our film was recognized internationally, and it feels like a dream to receive such nominations and an award.)
Filmmaker Rodriguez shared that they encountered several difficulties while making the film, but their thesis film adviser, Rosanni Sarile, and the DLSU-D Communication and Journalism Department supported and guided them throughout the process to produce the award-winning film.
“Malaki ang naging contribution ni Ma’am Sarile sa film na ‘to. Ginuide niya kami and pinush niya kami to do our best hanggang dulo. Also, pinagamit din samin ng CJD yung Tanghalang Julian Felipe and ilang equipment,” Rodriguez said.
(Ma’am Sarile contributed to the success of this film. She guided and encouraged us to do our best until the end. Also, the CJD allowed us to use Tanghalang Julian Felipe [a facility inside the campus] and other equipment.)
Filmmaker Cimacio advised other aspiring filmmakers to take risks and go out to make films and tell stories as the film industry continues to grow and evolve.
“I want them to go out and make films. Wala tayong magagawa kung hindi tayo magsisimula,” said Cimacio.
(I want them to go out and make films. We cannot do anything if we will not start.)
Reyes’ other film, Sana Nasa Sana, was also a finalist at the 3 Shots Film Fest 2022 and will hold its premiere screening this December at the Cinematheque Center in Manila.
The Sandaan sa Luzon Leg of the Filipino Film Centenary Expedition to celebrate the 100th year of Philippine Cinema was held in November 2018 at De La Salle University- Dasmarinas, one of the world’s most sustainable educational institutions where students continue to make award-winning films amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to the team behind the DLSU-Dasmarinas student thesis film awarded honors at the US festival!
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