Mark Meily is a film director and producer whose movies have been shown in Honolulu, Seattle, Busan, and Brussels. He is a multi-awardee, to include Best Director for his work in Crying Ladies and Baler in past Metro Manila Film Festivals.
Born and bred in Manila, he is a graduate of Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines, Film at the Mowelfund Film Institute, and a French Government Scholar at the Ecole Supérieure d’Etudes Cinématographiques.
Mark Meily
Nestor Abrogena, a graduate at the University of the Philippines Film Institute for both his bachelor and master’s degrees, is known through his cult classic Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa, specializes in art direction and production design in commercials and films, such as Raya Martin’s Independencia and Joseph Laban’s Cuchera. He also delved into Emerson Reyes’ MNL 143, which garnered several Gawad Urian nominations.
Today, Meily and Abrogena are more than just industry experts, they are educators who instruct and assist, inspire and guide the newest crop of eager students, with every hope to share their wisdom.
“By starting at the bottom, I can help transform the fate of this profession. A future where the industry is professionalized and creative — where we can aspire for further growth.” Meily shared.
Teaching millennials requires a different skill set. Meily praises them for their openness to learn. “They are like sponges that absorb everything you teach them. They do not have biases, and are easier to mold. They even question you when you slack off.”
On the other hand, a fellow millennial himself, Abrogena is comfortable in his conversations with his protégés. “The current generation of learners have different preferences, so I am always prepared with diverse approaches to engage them.”
Without a doubt, today’s crop of undergraduates is more creative. Among many memorable moments, Meily’s favorite was when he was presented with a thesis, which combined all seven art forms in one single video clip. As for Abrogena, it was when a pupil proposed a story on the last Princess of Panay, which delved on mature themes.
Modern times likewise bring a slew of challenges. Meily reveals that stringent requirements are barriers for highly skilled individuals to be able to teach, while Abrogena notes the constant evolution of media.
But despite all the hurdles, today’s batch of learners is inquisitive, inventive, and passionate. “That alone will help safeguard the sector for what lies ahead.” Abrogena ended.
Meily is currently the chairman of the Filmmaking Program at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), while Abrogena is a Film fellow at the same institution.