Bacolod’s homegrown stories are heading to the big screen as nine local filmmakers receive production grants for the upcoming 3rd Bacolod Film Festival, happening from November 27 to 29.
Each filmmaker will receive P100,000 to produce a short film inspired by the city’s heritage, people, and evolving cultural identity.
Celebrating Bacolod’s Heritage Through Film
This year’s festival carries the theme “Pag-angot: Celebrating Heritage, Shaping Our Future,” putting the spotlight on Bacolod’s traditions, communities, landmarks, and everyday experiences.
The production grant, which will be released in two tranches, comes with dedicated workshops and script mentoring sessions designed to guide the filmmakers throughout production.
Filming will take place across Bacolod, giving each project an opportunity to turn familiar places and local experiences into compelling stories on screen.
Each short film, running between 15 and 20 minutes, must also feature three to five distinct Bacolod heritage markers. These may include historical landmarks, local traditions, culinary favorites, or slices of daily life that reflect the character of the city.
Preserving a Changing City on Screen
Festival Director Tanya Lopez emphasized the importance of visually documenting Bacolod’s cultural heritage as the city continues to change.
As neighborhoods, traditions, and familiar spaces evolve, the films can serve as valuable snapshots of Bacolod’s roots, allowing today’s audiences and future generations to see the city through the eyes of its storytellers.
Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to developing Bacolod’s creative sector.
Among the city’s initiatives are City Ordinance 1061, also known as the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, and the G-Hive creative industry hub at the Mansilingan Activity Center. The hub gives filmmakers access to production equipment and studio spaces that can help support their creative projects.
Industry and Cultural Leaders Select Nine Projects
This year’s submissions were reviewed by a three-member evaluation panel composed of professionals from the film, tourism, culture, and performing arts sectors.
The panel included Jonathan Jurilla, filmmaker, professor, and director of the TaliSine Film Festival; Helen Arguelles-Cutillar, tourism and cultural advocate and Festival Director of Sagay City’s Margaha Film Festival; and Rolin Miguel Cadallo Obina, playwright, Bais City Culture and Arts Officer, and Festival Director of the Bais Film Festival.
Following the evaluation process, nine projects were selected for production.
Meet the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival Grantees
The chosen films explore a colorful mix of local folklore, family relationships, personal identity, and community life:
- Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa, “Beware of Dog”
- Farleen John Casidsid, “Si Balong Ginbulang”
- Dranreb Cimatu, “Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod”
- Renzo Grijaldo, “Ka Aslum Sang Batwan”
- Jaden Mijares, “PrinCaesar”
- Mai Montelibano, “Lumay”
- Kurt Soberano, “Duwa Duwa”
- Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa, “Tukturuok”
- Pamela Reinee Viedor, “Ang Tagabantay”
Together, the selected entries promise to bring different sides of Bacolod to the screen, from cherished traditions and local beliefs to personal stories shaped by family and community.
A Powerful Platform for Emerging Filmmakers
For student filmmakers Farleen John Casidsid and Jaden Mijares, the grant program offers more than financial support.
They highlighted the festival as an important platform for emerging filmmakers to gain hands-on industry experience while sharing stories rooted in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.
With funding, mentorship, and the city itself serving as both setting and inspiration, the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival is set to celebrate the stories that connect Bacolod’s past, present, and future.
