The 10 finalists of the maiden Bacolod Film Festival, themed “Stories with a Smile,” were announced yesterday.

The filmmakers, all residents of this highly-urbanized city, were presented by festival director Seymour Sanchez, with Councilor Em Ang, co-chairperson of the Bacolod Film Festival Council, in a press conference held at the Bacolod City Government Center.

“We are very happy and proud that finally, the Bacolod Film Festival has come to life. It’s happening here in Bacolod. Thanks to our mayor, Albee Benitez, he really dreamed to hold it this year,” Ang said.

Set in September, the Bacolod Film Festival will feature the short films “A Flower A Day” directed by Chelsea Tasic; “Aninaw,” Charlene Mae Tupas; “Blind Date,” Juan Carlo Miguel Araullo; “Chicken Inasal,” Georgia Mari Elardo; “Glub,” Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa; “Laragway sa Karon,” Mary Pauline Santos; “Manokan Country,” Rodolfo Hinalon Jr.; “Puli Na, Diche Lesly,” Will Bryan Garcia; “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair),” Vincent Joseph Entuna; and “The Mansion,” Oscar Villanueva.

The selection committee chose them from among the 33 entries submitted during the call for submission of short films with the “potential to inspire laughter, warmth, and a renewed appreciation for the brighter side of life.”

“The 10 selected screenplays all represent Bacolod City in one way or another,” Sanchez said.

The film, which can be of any genre, such as romance, drama, comedy, or horror in any Filipino language with English subtitles, must have a total running time of 15 to 20 minutes.

Each finalist will receive a production grant of P300,000.

The deadline for submission of films is on August 15, but they have to submit trailers and posters by August 1 for promotional and marketing purposes.

The Bacolod Film Festival is part of the city’s initiative in line with the implementation of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, with additional funding from the Department of Trade and Industry. (PNA)