1st FAMAS Short Film Festival aims for diverse storytelling

FAMAS president Francia Conrado and FAMAS Short Film Festival director Gabby Ramos meet with select reporters to discuss about the festival. —Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) launched its short film festival in a bid to promote authentic and culture-centered storytelling through the art of short films.

Described as a “hybrid film festival,” its first edition aims to focus on the creativity, narrative, and cultural aspects of short films as it is “often overlooked” by mainstream audiences.

“This is a hybrid film festival so we are gathering the entire nation to submit their short films. This is open [to] all,” festival director Gabby Ramos told reporters during an intimate media gathering in Quezon City. He was also accompanied by FAMAS president Francia Conrado.

Ramos stated that the short film entries “must already be finished” and should have been shown to an audience from January 2024 to March 2025.

“This year, the selection team will be focusing on the creativity and of course, the narrative of the short. And dito rin makikita ang expertise ng entire group kung papaano sila [makakagawa] ng short film. ’Yung FAMAS ay magbibigay ng award sa pinakamahusay na short film na papasok sa iba’t ibang [categories],” he explained.

(This year, the selection team will be focusing on the creativity and of course, the narrative of the short. This is where the expertise of the filmmaking group comes in as it will judge the quality of their filmmaking. The FAMAS will present an award to the best short film that qualifies in its respective category.)

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards has launched its first short film festival. —Image: Facebook/FAMAS Short Film Festival

When asked by INQUIRER.net if there is a theme to the festival’s first iteration, Ramos said there is “no theme” although he assured that its presenter REMS Entertainment will ensure that fairness will be at the forefront of selecting the best short film.

“Ang REMS Entertainment ay humahawak ng international festivals. Last time, we already made the Asian Film Festival… ang credibility ng Short Film Festival ay napakataas. Sa special selection pa lamang, iniimbitahan na namin ang batikang filmmakers and kilalang nagseselect at institution na ipapakilala namin,” he said, while sharing that the selection committee received over a hundred entries, as of this writing.

(REMS Entertainment holds international festivals. Last time, we had the Asian Film Festival. The Short Film Festival has a high credibility. We invited veteran filmmakers and well-known institutions to be part of our special selection committee.)

Agreeing with Ramos, Conrado pointed out that the film aims to celebrate the beauty of short films by honoring actors, writers, cinematographers, and the creatives behind each short film.

“Ang difference ng short film festival na ‘to ay mabigyan ng chance ng lahat ng actor, cinematographer, at iba pa (The difference of this short film festival is to give chances to all actors, cinematographers, and everyone involved),” she said.

The festival will take place from May 3 to 9, while its awards ceremony will be held at the Music Museum in San Juan on May 10.