The City of Sagay in Negros Occidental is calling for entries for the maiden Margaha Philippine Shorts Competition with the theme “Istorya sang Amon Isla.”

The event is part of the 6th Margaha Film Festival (SineMargaha), set along the kilometer-long shoreline of the Margaha (black sand) beach of the northern Negros city.

“The program expansion is an initiative that will showcase more stories from the islands of the Philippines while staying true to the film festival’s core of presenting local heritage and culture,” festival director Helen Cutillar said in a statement on Monday, January 6.

The competition, which will select 10 finalists, aims to spotlight short films that “explore the rich narratives of the island, mountains, sea and the people of the Philippine Archipelago.”

Entries should explore the heritage, culture and way of life of the local communities, showcasing stories that reflect the connection between the island and its people.

Each short film should have a run-time of 10 to 20 minutes, directed and produced by Filipino filmmakers between January 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024.

Submission of entries is until January 30, 2025, through this link: https://forms.gle/7rC1qXhMgdJxPFCXA.

Cutillar said the proceeds of entry fees will go to the Balhasanay Filmmaking Movement, a community-based filmmaking organization in Sagay City.

The Margaha Film Festival, presented in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, will be held in the last week of February in line with the celebration of National Arts Month. (PNA)