Animation majors from the University of Makati’s Batch 2022 did not disappoint, as they clinched the top spot and two other awards in the Animation Category of the 35th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.
Taking home the well-deserved 1st Place is the film “Alon,” brought to life by Nicole Salazar, Eugene Hontiveros, Jhon Mark Cutamora, and Andrei Alano. This work alludes to the struggles of small-scale fisherfolks as they assert their rights over precious fishing grounds and marine resources.
This remarkable achievement affirms the University’s continued status as a thriving hub for learning in the field of animation, providing a nurturing environment conducive to innovative learning experiences.
The 3rd Place honor went to the film “Grace,” a captivating narrative crafted by Alliah Jasreel Padre, Micheal Andrew Colarina, Ivan Cris Caraon, Mark Gerald Pelaez, and John Vincent Lopez. The story follows a young PWD’s courageous journey to conquer inner demons and reclaim her former life.
Meanwhile, the heartwarming tale of “Tsinelas,” brought to life by Djerbin Paul Balcos, Mark John Hermano, and Christian Joe Inoy, was honored with an Honorable Mention. This film beautifully captures the essence of resilience and human connection.
All three films were produced in 2022 as capstone projects by CAL’s Multimedia Arts students; they premiered last November 2022 at AniMakati, a college-organized online film showcase. Their selection was in keeping with the vision of Gawad Alternatibo as a platform for alternative cinema that challenges norms and sparks thought-provoking conversations. Gawad Alternatibo is a fringe event of the annual Cinemalaya, the Philippines’ Independent Film Festival. It was held on August 4 to 13 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, Cultural Center of the Philippines. (Associate Professor Mary Acel D. German, MA – Dean, College of Arts and Letters)