To expand the Manila Film Festival (TMFF) and attract young filmmakers, Mayor Honey Lacuna has officially announced the opening of submissions for short films.
The initiative, spearheaded by the city government’s Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts (DTCAM) under the leadership of Charlie Dungo, aims to celebrate the creative spirit of Filipino cinema.
Lacuna said the TMFF 2024 will present the “Gawad Maynila” film grant, recognizing and supporting promising independent Filipino filmmakers.
Dungo said the competition is open to bona fide students, at least 18 years old, from private and state colleges and universities nationwide. The thematic focus for TMFF 2024 is to celebrate Manila as the ‘City of Infinite Possibilities and A Thousand Tales.’
The deadline for submission of entries is on Feb. 29, 2024.
“While story concepts set in the actual landscape of Manila are preferred, we also recognize the Manila that resides in the Sphere of Dreams and Aspirations in the minds of Filipinos everywhere, all around our islands and even in the hearts of Pinoys abroad,” added Dungo.
Participants are encouraged to submit films with a running time of no less than 15 minutes and no more than 20 minutes, including opening and closing credits. Submissions can be made online at www.themanilafilmfestival.com.
Dungo outlined the submission requirements, which include a project story paper, a short document stating the current stage of the entries (Story/Script Development or Pre Production/Planning), a one-page synopsis/storyline, resumes of the proponent/s, sample production work (preferably as Director), two recent photos of proponent/s, and related materials based on the identified Production Phase.
Participants can submit a maximum of three entries, with only one entry per proponent eligible for consideration as a finalist.