MSU Bidlisiw hosts inaugural short film and documentary film festival

Marking a significant moment for cinematic creativity on campus, the Bidlisiw film-makers club of Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) proudly hosted its inaugural Film Festival on May 18. This landmark event, the first of its kind since the establishment of the student-led film organization, signaled a new chapter for aspiring filmmakers at the university.

The university gymnasium buzzed with energy as blinding lights, loud music, and the promise of prestigious awards filled the space. Students from various colleges, particularly those taking GEC106 (Art Appreciation) and related courses, gathered to celebrate this milestone.

© Jillana Kaye Arcilla

“Hindi lang ito basta Film Festival, ito’y naging selebrasyon ng sining, boses, at mga kwentong mula sa ating sariling komunidad,” said Bidlisiw President Drenzel Calopez.

Calopez also shared an important note to the future filmmakers and officers of Bidlisiw.

“Huwag kayong matakot mag-eksperimento, magkamali, at matuto. Your voice is powerful, and film is a medium that can move people, challenge systems, and reflect truths,” Calopez highlighted.

He expressed his gratitude to the advisers, officers, and everyone involved, highlighting the event as a celebration of art, voices, and community stories.

Award Highlights

The Political Science Department students once again demonstrated their excellence, securing four awards for their compelling film “Loslos,” which was honored with Best Picture and Best Screenplay. 

Ivan Shem Gumilid was celebrated as Best Actor for his portrayal of Mayor Tam B. Luz in “Loslos,” and Rica Jean Galo earned the Best Director award for the same film. 

In the documentary category, “Gono Sbung” was recognized as Best Documentary Film and also received the award for Best Picture in Documentary.

Rica Jean Galo, director of “Loslos,” shared the dedication and sacrifices of her team, stating, “It's undeniable that we have different sacrifices as members of the production. 

One of which would be, despite the exhaustion after classes, we still chose to allot time to film specific scenes with the little time we have in order to meet deadlines.” She expressed immense pride in DPRD Production, stating, “This isn’t just a win for the DPRD Prod. This is a win for every story that deserves to be told — especially in our locality, General Santos City.”

Rezia Alera, director of “Gono Sbung,” vividly described her team's challenging journey, comparing their efforts to the saying "Dugo at Pawis" (blood and sweat). 

“Mula pa lang sa pagsulat ng synopsis noong workshop, kung saan kami ay nagwagi bilang Best Story, hanggang sa mismong shooting ay puno ng hamon. Ang aming paglalakbay ay lubhang mapanganib; isang maling hakbang lamang ay maaari kaming mahulog sa bangin mula sa bundok, at isang maling galaw sa bangka ay maaaring magresulta sa pagkalunod sa lawa,” she recounted.

Alera also shared her initial disappointment with the festival guidelines.

“Labis akong nahirapan dahil umaasa ako na mas mahaba ang duration ng documentary film. Hindi nasunod ang aming orihinal na script dahil kinailangan kong tanggalin ang maraming bahagi para lamang magkasya sa itinakdang oras,” she said.

Despite having the fewest members in their block, she emphasized their triumph through unity and perseverance: “Ang masasabi ko lang, kahit na maliit lamang kami sa aming section, kaya pa rin naming manalo kung magtutulungan kami, magpapahabaan ng pasensiya at pag-uunawa sa bawat miyembro ng grupo.”

Other awards presented were best poster for “Beyond the Loom,” best actress and best supporting actress in “Lamat sa Krus,” best actor for Joshua Roto in “Mundong Tatsulok,” best musical score for “Singko,” and best cinematography for “Sa Likod ng Semento at Silya.”

The first Bidlisiw Film Festival showcased a total of 26 entries, comprising 8 documentaries and 18 short films.