The first Nespresso Vertical Shorts featured stories by a new generation of filmmakers that champion one of Filipinos’ core values: malasakit or empathy.
Premiered during the Cinemalaya Film Festival Season on Aug. 3-12, the three winning three-minute vertical videos, namely “SLN,” “Braveheart,” and “AKÒ” highlighted empathy in their stories—whether for a loved one, for nature, or even for the dead.
“These films, like a great cup of coffee, has become an all-sensory experience that allows you to reflect, think deep, and encourage others to do something different and amazing,” enthused Patrick Pesengco, managing director of NovateurCoffee Concepts Inc.
The winning entry, “SLN,” short for “Sumalangit Nawa,” is created by wedding videographer Brian Spencer Reyes.
It tells the story of Mila, a graveyard caretaker who stumbles upon a dead man’s framed photograph left lying on the ground not far from where he’s buried. She then begins to tend his grave and starts to talk to the picture, expressing her concern and empathy for the dead.
Reyes said being part of the Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 and winning Best Film was quite an experience. “I thought it was just going to be online, I didn’t expect there would be an actual screening, and at the Cinemalaya Film Festival at that. I’m really, really happy.”
Kevin Tuason bagged first runner-up for his three-minute film “Braveheart.” His entry, which easily tugs at the heart, is inspired by a friend’s love for her mother. It uses stop-motion technique featuring LEGO pieces to show love and death in the perspective of a little kid.
“Honestly, for me, it was never about the competition,” says Tuason. “It has always been about sharing the story. Because more than filmmaking, my passion in life is to share the beautiful stories of people.”
Filmed by a group of nature lovers and advocates for the preservation and protection of the environment, second runner-up winner “Akὸ,” draws attention to man’s deep connection to earth and other life forms that live on it, encouraging empathy and concern toward them.
The title is meant to be interpreted in two ways: “Ako” as in “me” and “akὸ” as in “taking the responsibility.”
Inspiration hit Jonel Revistual and his team when they read an article about a forest in North America which has been granted the same legal rights as humans. It got the wheels turning and they found themselves filming the video at the La Mesa Eco Park.
“For us, it’s important that you believe in the message you’re trying to get across,” said Revistual. “It’s how you’re able to give your heart 100 percent to whatever project you’re working on.”
Following the successful outing, Nespresso hopes to go further with its initiative to foster Filipino talent in filmmaking and continue to run the Nespresso Vertical Shorts in the coming years.
Go to www.nespresso.ph/verticalshorts/winners to watch the winning films and the other finalists.