The City of Sagay in Negros Occidental is inviting Filipino filmmakers to participate in the Margaha Philippine Shorts Competition–the first of its kind–with the theme "Istorya sang Amon Isla" (Stories of Our Island). This competition is part of the 6th Margaha Film Festival (SineMargaha), which will take place along the picturesque black-sand shores of Margaha Beach.
The goal of the competition is to give a platform to short films that explore the heritage, culture, and way of life of Filipino communities. According to Helen Cutillar, the festival director, this initiative expands the festival’s scope by inviting more stories from the islands of the Philippines while staying true to the festival’s core mission of preserving and promoting local traditions.
“We want to celebrate the narratives of our islands, the mountains, the sea, and the people who live here. It’s a chance to show the world the deep connection between our land and its people,” Cutillar said.
Submission Guidelines and Deadlines
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit short films with a runtime of 10 to 20 minutes, directed and produced by Filipino filmmakers between January 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024. The stories should highlight the unique culture and lifestyle of island communities. Ten finalists will be chosen, with the winning films to be featured at the festival in February 2025.
The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2025, and entries can be submitted through this [link]
Supporting Local Filmmakers
Entry fees for the competition will benefit the Balhasanay Filmmaking Movement, a community-based organization that supports local filmmakers in Sagay. Through this competition, filmmakers have the opportunity to showcase their work and contribute to the development of local cinema, while also gaining recognition on a national stage.
