2nd Peñafrancia Short Film Festival launched

CACERES, March 27, 2014 – Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona together with Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) Director Fr. Luisito Occiano launched the 2nd Peñafrancia Short Film Festival last March 25 with the theme, “Choose to be brave, to live and love like Ina”.

This year’s film festival focuses on two important elements: celebrating the ‘Year of the Laity’ and heeding the call to be like Mary.

Participating film enries must have a story that centers on a strong and stirring devotion to the Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bicolandia.

“While Mary is commonly called as Our Lady, Madonna, Nuestra Señora, Notre Dame, Mahal na Birhen, the Virgin of Peñafrancia is fondly addressed by the Bicolanos as ‘INA’, an endearing Bicol term which literally means ‘Mama’. It connotes motherly protection and guidance; a refuge,” said Church historian Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon, describing the Bicolanos’ relationship with the Blessed Virgin.

Hence, filmmakers must also be able to capture this prominent relationship, while featuring a deeply Bicolano culture, which inherently includes a deep sense of piety.

The Festival, which is open to all non-professional and professional filmmakers, also enjoins participants to find inspiration in the call of the ‘Year to be active witnesses of Christ who spread the Good News wherever they go.

Interested participants must submit their registration form which includes a fee of PhP 2,500 on or before April 30. The film must not be more than 30 minutes in length and must be submitted together with the synopsis of the movie. Participants are allowed to shoot during the processions held over the Summer Peñafrancia Festival, May 19 for the Traslacion and May 23 for the Fluvial Procession. All entries, however, must be submitted on July 30.

Winners will receive cash prizes: PhP 100,000 (1st), PhP 75,000 (2nd), PhP 50,000 (3rd), and PhP 25,000 (People’s Choice Award).

Through the Peñafrancia Short Film Festival, the CCCom opportunely encourages filmmakers to embark on a spiritual journey with Christ and His mother, Mary. (Natalie Hazel Quimlat)