Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition Returns with P100,000 Production Grant Each for Ten Youth Short Film Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Following the success of the recently concluded 4th Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition last September, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is holding an open call for story concepts from young filmmakers starting November 19, 2021 for its fifth edition.

Open to filmmakers ages 18 to 30 years old from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Sine Kabataan, now on its 5th edition with film labs exclusively for the participants, aims to provide a platform for the youth’s perspective on social issues, encouraging them to develop their creativity and originality in storytelling while touching on pertinent issues in society.

The shortlisted twenty (20) story concepts will be required to undergo film labs. Ten (10) projects will be chosen as finalists by the Selection Committee through a pitching showcase. The 10 filmmakers will each be given a PHP 100,000 grant as funds to produce their short films.

 

With the easing of restrictions, FDCP will be shifting its film labs and events to a hybrid on-site and digital platform to elevate their projects and further develop the filmmakers’ skills in film production.

 

“Witnessing the effectiveness of conducting film labs from the previous edition of Sine Kabataan, we are now on the lookout for a new batch of young filmmakers with their creative take on relevant societal issues through filmmaking. Now that we are shifting the Sine Kabataan events to a hybrid format, the filmmakers can fully utilize the film labs to further enhance their skills and projects,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

 

Sine Kabataan is conducted alongside the FDCP banner project Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) as an accompanying youth film competition wherein the finalists’ short films are screened nationwide during the PPP duration.

 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SineKabataan.

 

Below are the SINE KABATAAN SHORT FILM LAB AND FESTIVAL Guidelines:

 

A. GUIDELINES

 

1. The competition is open to all young filmmakers of ages 18 to 30 years old and must have produced at least one short film.

 

2. The applicants must submit concepts that depicts the youth’s perception on the following issues:

 

HEALTH                        SECURITY & PEACE BUILDING

-          Teenage Pregnancy -      Youth in conflict with laws

-          HIV/Aids -      Youth in conflicted areas

-          Mental Health -      Youth in peace-building

-          Adolescent disability -      Digital or Online safety

 

EDUCATION                        FAMILY VALUES

-          Out of school youth -     Violence against children

-          Bullying -     Abandonment

-          Lack of access in education -     Effects of migration

 

3. Twenty (20) concepts will be shortlisted and will undergo film pitching with the Sine Kabataan Selection Committee. From the film pitch, ten (10) projects will be chosen as finalists and will be selected for development and production. The chosen finalists will be given a grant to produce Sine Kabataan Short Film.

 

4. Film can be live action or animated. Experimental films and documentary films will not be accepted.

 

5. The completed film must not exceed the total running time of five minutes, including the opening and closing credits.

 

6. The completed film output will have its premiere during the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2022 under the Sine Kabataan category.

 

7. The rights of completed film output will belong to the proponent. However, the Film Development Council of the Philippines reserves the right to screen entries in various events and platforms.

 

8.     The use of original literary sources, music materials, artwork, photography, etc. must have proper clearance from their respective copyright owners before they can be used in the final output. The Festival organizers shall not be liable for any costs related to claims of performing rights organizations.

 

9.     By entering the Festival, the participants agree to abide by the Festival guidelines and rules. The FDCP shall be indemnified of any liabilities.

 

10.  In case of any violation of the guidelines and rules, the organizers and the judging Committee reserves the right to disqualify the participant and their film or remove them from the program.

 

11. The organizers and the selection committee reserves the right to disqualify any participant and/or to forfeit any prize from a participant who is found to have committed plagiarism or has undertaken fraudulent practice and/or activities harmful to the Festival or the Festival submission process.

 

12.  FDCP reserves the right to create, revoke, and modify at any time, in any way its entry requirements, rules and regulations at its absolute discretion without prior notice. Finalists and submitted entries shall be bound by any amendments or addition to the entry requirements, rules and regulations herewith.

 

13.  The decision of the Selection Committee is final and irrevocable. The organizers and the selection committee are not obliged to give explanation for the results.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 

The following requirements must be submitted online in an organized google drive folder with shared viewing settings.

 

1. DULY ACCOMPLISHED APPLICATION FORM with complete details (Complete name and contact details, Working Title, Synopsis, Director/Scriptwriter Intention’s Note, Concept and Financial Plan)

 

Application form can be downloaded via this link: Sine Kabataan Application Form

 

2. Online link to one (1) previously produced short film (if applicable). (Note: the online link must be set to private and the link and password must be uploaded via Vimeo or Google Drive).

 

3. Brief resume, HD profile photo, and a copy of a government-issued ID of the filmmaker.

 

4. Story concept (in PDF) and/or script if available.

 

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

 

Entries may be emailed to filmlab.fdcp@gmail.com with subject heading: Application for Sine Kabataan 2021.

 

Deadline of submission is on January 15, 2022.

 

B. GRANTS/FUND

 

This competition consists of TEN (10) chosen finalists and will be given a production grant of P100,000.00 each to produce a maximum of 5 minute short film and shall comply with all the administrative and auditing requirements as advised by the Sine Kab Secretariat. The grant will be given in two (2) tranches.

 

C. FILM LABS

 

The FINALISTS are required to send two of their members and shall undergo intensive film labs under the supervision and guidance of mentors from the film industry that would help them to develop their skills in story development, editing, technicalities, and other elements of filmmaking to better translate their stories.

 

FILM LAB 1 : Story Development and Technical Intensive Lab

 

In the Story Development Lab, FDCP will be inviting directors and writers from

the industry to equip the finalists with the necessary tools and information they need to create truthful and insightful narratives that will translate into inspiring films. The lab will have a talk and separate mentoring for each finalist. After the story development lab, there will be a technical intensive lab where the finalists would be taught by experts on handling technical equipment during a shoot. The experts will be talking about handling cameras and audio equipment, it will also touch the basics of film editing. With this, we are assured that the films that will be produced are of good quality and ready for screening and distribution. 

 

FILM LAB 2 : Pitching  Lab

 

This Lab focuses on how to perfectly pitch a project to different kinds of investors, which contents are the most adequate to present, what information you can’t leave out of your presentation and how to communicate your ideas and your project in the best possible way. After the lab, there will be a Pitching Session where all the shortlisted participants will pitch their projects to the Selection Committee. Ten (10) projects will be chosen as part of the Sine Kabataan Finalist.

FILM LAB 3 : Safe Filming Lab

The Safe Filming Program is a program by the FDCP in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which outlines the principles of safe production. It focuses on the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) released by the three (3) agencies on the Health and Safety  Protocols for the Conduct of Film and Audiovisual Production Shoots and Audiovisual Activities During COVID-19 Pandemic. All participants are required to undergo this lab to comply with the new normal setting ensuring a safe working environment amidst the pandemic.

 

    FILM LAB 4 : Editing Lab

 

The editing lab is a one-on-one session with industry experts. The finalists will bring the rough cut of their films and will be criticised and mentored for the betterment of their project. The two day workshop ensures that there is progress with the mentored projects. After this, they will be given ample time to polish their works and will be subject to submission in preparation for the screening and awards night.

 

D. FILM FESTIVAL

 

The completed film output will have its premiere during the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2022 under the Sine Kabataan category.

 

E. AWARDS

 

Aside from the production fund, incentive awards will be given to the finalist who best deserve the following:

 

BEST SHORT FILM -                    PHP 50,000.00

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE -                             PHP 40,000.00

BEST DIRECTOR -                  PHP 30,000.00

SPECIAL MENTION -                  PHP 20,000.00

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD -        PHP 10,000.00

 

Support the government’s drive against illegal wildlife trade

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) during its Third National Wildlife Law Enforcement Summit held online last November 16-18, 2021 appealed to the public to support the government’s drive against illegal wildlife trade (IWT), emphasizing its links to the health and economic stability of Filipinos.

“These diseases emerge not because of the existence of wildlife, but because of people who exploit wildlife. Our own survival as a species is at stake and everyone has a role in combating illegal wildlife trade,” said DENR-BMB Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol during the Culmination Programme and Turn-over Ceremony of the DENR-Asian Development Bank (ADB)/Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Combating Environmental Organized Crime Project held on the third day of the said Summit.


Saikol said that the COVID-19 pandemic proved that public health could be adversely affected by zoonotic diseases emerging from contact with wildlife, or infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans. In 2020, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Wildlife Crime Report indicated that zoonotic diseases represent up to 75 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases. As hunters, middlemen, and consumers come in close contact with wild animals at different points of the trade, they can contract novel, unknown diseases and pass these on to other humans. “The pandemic is a wake-up call for us to avoid colliding head on with nature, a call to protect our natural resources and the health of millions,” he added.


Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar, for her part, said that there is a need to be proactive when it comes to wildlife protection. “It is the constant exploitation of wild animals and their habitat, mostly through human actions, that drives the risk of zoonotic diseases’ transmission,” she said in a recorded message to the participants of the Summit.


Saikol also sought the public’s involvement against IWT for economic reasons. “Conserving and protecting our biodiversity creates jobs, supports local businesses and tourism, and increases local tax revenue. It is common-sense economics,” he said. The DENR estimates that IWT costs the Philippines 50 billion pesos every year, covering the market value of wildlife, poaching-related damage to habitats, and loss of ecotourism revenue.


The DENR-BMB urged the public to report alleged IWT crimes through DENR’s social media accounts or to the nearest DENR regional offices. “The DENR cannot do this alone,” Saikol said. “We need the public to act as eyes and ears in their communities and help report wildlife violations,” he added.


Forest rangers and law enforcement partners can use the WildALERT mobile application to report suspected illegal wildlife trafficking. The WildALERT- Fauna app was initially developed with the support of USAID-PROTECT Wildlife but was later expanded to include the flora component, with support from the DENR-ADB/GEF Project.


The Project also collaborated with the DENR-BMB in producing video documentaries and other communication, education, and public awareness materials, including posters in Tagalog and Bisaya, to further engage the public on the issue.


“Addressing illegal wildlife trade is of primary importance,” said DENR Undersecretary for Protected Areas and Special Concerns Edilberto Leonardo. “We continuously strive to equip people to be environmental defenders,” he added.


“Filipinos must stop buying illegal wildlife, their by-products, and derivatives. The IWT runs on greed and profits. Without the demand for illegal wildlife, the trade will dry up,” Saikol said.

As one of the world’s most mega-diverse countries, the Philippines is an important source, transit, and destination point for illegal wildlife trade, which is now the fourth largest illicit trade worldwide behind illegal drugs, arms, and human trafficking.


“Wildlife law enforcement may be the mandate of the DENR, but helping stop illegal wildlife trade and conserve our biodiversity is every Filipino’s responsibility,” Saikol concluded.

What’s next for the Philippines after COP26?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Surprise announcements and flowery speeches won’t solve the climate crisis; Urgent actions and decisions should come immediately.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) ended in overtime and on a disappointing note despite the urgent calls for world leaders to make commitments on crucial points, including the phasing out of fossil fuels.

“While the text agreed is far from perfect, we are moving in the right direction. What is essential to watch for now are the concrete steps Philippine government officials will take,” according to Atty. Angela Ibay, WWF-Philippines’ Head of Climate and Energy, said.

Now that the conference is over and the delegates are back home in their respective countries, the real and definite work begins. Policies need to be put in place, executive decisions need to be made, implementation enhanced, and stakeholders must be gathered and galvanized so that the country can move towards a future responsive to climate change.

“After COP26, we have a chance to Change the Ending for the planet. Our officials know their roles, they know the targets needed to be achieved to keep on track and aligned to the 1.5C temperature goal. Implement our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) properly and unconditionally, while ensuring nature stays at the heart of our response to the climate crisis, in tandem with a full transformation of the energy system,” Ibay said.

“Most Filipinos are already suffering from the climate crisis, but that doesn't mean the situation is hopeless. This is the fight for our survival and for the planet. And we need to win. Whatever it takes,” she said.

Philippine government officials should take the following urgent concrete steps following the pledges and promises they committed to at COP26 in Glasgow:

• Accelerate the clean and just energy transition through more renewable energy sources and energy efficiency use

• Undertake enhanced implementation of the Philippine NDC and ensure that the Philippine national budget supports our climate actions

• Put in place executive measures and policies that integrate sustainability in the systems that provide our basic needs

• Seriously implement actions to stop nature loss, scale-up restoration, and integrate the value of nature in our national plans

• Use effective leadership to get our local governments, the private sector, and all stakeholders to apply solutions towards climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

COP26 wrapped up one day beyond the schedule with weak decisions in a number of important areas, including adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance. But, there are significant hooks in the text for countries to increase short-term climate ambition and to implement binding climate policies. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres admitted that countries “did not achieve these goals at this conference. But we have some building blocks for progress,” 

"Unfortunately, the collective political will was not enough to overcome some deep contradictions," he said in a video statement after COP26.

He also had a message for the "disappointed" young people, indigenous communities, women leaders, and all those leading the charge on climate action.

“I know you are disappointed. But the path of progress is not always a straight line. Sometimes there are detours. Sometimes there are ditches. But I know we can get there. We are in the fight of our lives, and this fight must be won. Never give up. Never retreat. Keep pushing forward.”

The Philippines was a signatory in several declarations announced during the conference including the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use which commits to halting deforestation and restoring forest land.

“COP26 is not just a one-time event where world leaders make surprise announcements and flowery speeches. Words won’t solve the climate crisis. Actions are what we need to see to Change the Ending for the planet now,” Ibay said.

“The Philippine delegation, led by DOF Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, should make it clear now what direction the country is heading to protect nature and people from the worst effects of climate change,” Ibay said. “With the elections and a change of administration coming next year, our leaders should not put off addressing the climate crisis for later anymore.”

More information about WWF-Philippines’ call to #ChangeTheEnding by transitioning to a new and green normal can be found here: https://wwf.org.ph/resource-center/story-archives-2020/the-new-normal/