Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a blaze of cosmic wonder and cinematic brilliance, the Cinema Primera Regional Film Festival 2025 illuminated CALABARZON like a galaxy reborn. What began as a spark of passion in 2018 has now ignited into a blazing constellation of talent, diversity, and regional pride. This year’s theme—“stellar and cosmic”—wasn’t just metaphorical; it was a portal into the boundless imaginations of student filmmakers whose voices are now etched across the stars of Philippine cinema.
A Galaxy Born from Grit and Guts
Cinema Primera began as a daring dream—a vision to empower and elevate student storytellers from the CALABARZON region. What was once a modest platform has evolved into a commanding force of artistic expression and cultural authenticity. Now in its fifth stellar orbit, the festival has become a beacon for budding creatives hungry to tell stories that matter.
From April 21 to 25, 2025, the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA – Molino Campus became the universe’s command center, housing screenings of 48 short films from 18 universities. Schools like MAPUA, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite, and the University of Santo Tomas joined the cinematic constellation. Outside, the Sunken Garden pulsed with life—booths, merchants, and festival-goers sharing in the collective heartbeat of the arts.
Lights, Camera, Cosmos!
The silver screen sparkled with genre-defying creations: Isasakses by Sclera Studios stirred the soul; KIYAW by Pit Crew howled with haunting beauty; ALMIRA! by At The Back Productions redefined direction; Elias: Aswang by NyctoFiles awakened mythic terror; and Blood Price by Gaspire Studios dripped with suspense.
Returning luminaries like Lowell Kip Conales (BAGz), Franz Miaco (Liwas), and Yani Villarosa (Papa Xerox) dazzled once more, joined by a radiant array of new talents. Together, they spun galaxies of grief, triumph, identity, and revolution on screen.
But Cinema Primera isn't merely about spectacle—it's a crucible of meaning. Awards like Puso ng Sining, Boses ng Rehiyon, and Bahaghari recognized films that pierced the cultural veil, uplifted LGBTQ+ narratives, and honored the soul of the region. Standouts included Sa Ilalim Ng Mga Anino, Parisukat, and Norma at Rico, whose authenticity and impact resonated deeply with audiences.
The Night of Stars: Awarding Ceremony at SOMO – A Vista Mall
On April 25, SOMO – A Vista Mall was transformed into a celestial gala for the Closing and Awarding Night, emceed by Don Henley Sunga and Mikaela Yumi Docdocil of UPHSD Molino. The crowd was electrified by performances from Cavite’s own Gem Largo, the hypnotic Myriad Bloom, and the vibrant MMA Konek, the Multimedia Arts Society of UPHSD.
A jury of luminaries—Johnny Paradox, Martin Resplandor Jr., Gelo Vizcarra, and Onix—presided with both discernment and celebration. The grand victor? Boy Wonder by Humantao Films, which seized First Place for its emotionally charged narrative and stunning execution. Kapirasong Barya by Likha Pictures soared into Second Place, and Angat Sa Iba by Uu, Tatlo Lang Talaga Kami Productions clinched Third.
The People's Choice Award was joyously won by Liwas—a beautiful collaboration between Ambon Production and Talaghay Production. ALMIRA! again turned heads, earning Best Direction for its striking vision. Individual brilliance also radiated: Andre Miguel's nuanced performance in Boy Wonder earned him Best Actor, while Yani Villarosa shone like a supernova, securing Best Actress for her riveting turn in Papa Xerox.
Beyond the Screen: A Universe of Artistry
This year’s festival transcended film. The grounds were alive with creativity—booths and merchants brought colors, crafts, and dreams to life. Names like Iwashi Arts & Crafts, Creo Lab, Labuli, Mawie Crochets, and more added vibrancy to the festival landscape. Media partners such as INQUIRER.net, SINEGANG.ph, WhenInManila.com, and Wazzup Pilipinas amplified the reach, while sponsors including The 5th Floor Studios Art Incubation Lab, ARTernative Art Supply, Astrolikha, and the City Government of Imus ensured the stars aligned perfectly.
The Cosmic Legacy Continues
Cinema Primera 2025 didn’t merely showcase student films—it was a symphony of ambition, heritage, identity, and hope. Each short film was a universe in itself, orbiting themes that dared to challenge norms and uplift voices too often silenced.
As the festival’s last credits rolled, one truth echoed through the hearts of all present: the regional filmmaking scene in CALABARZON is not only alive—it’s thriving, evolving, and cosmic.
In every lens that captured truth, every script that beat with sincerity, and every frame that dared to dream, Cinema Primera proved that the future of Philippine cinema isn’t waiting in the wings.
It’s already blazing across the stars.
For more cosmic journeys through art, culture, and regional pride, follow WazzupPilipinas.com—the most credible source of news and stories celebrating the vibrant heart of the Philippines.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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