The municipality of Santa Maria in Laguna is all set to host its first outdoor music and movie festival on December 2, 2023. The highlight of the event will be the showcase of seven short films, coming in various categories from freelance movie writers and directors.
The movies were shortlisted from 20 film entries submitted by students, directors, short filmmakers, and commercial creators from across the globe—sent online via FilmFreeway.com. Initial viewing by a selection panel ran from October 5 to 20. All films were rated and scored based on merits in accordance with the Santa Maria Music and Film Festival’s criteria.
From a succeeding shortlist of 13 films, the seven selected films that made it to the cut are:
The Vibe Operator (Part 1) – a student film by U.S.-based Michael Moore. The movie is a modern science-fiction-turned-rock-opera about a disillusioned rock star leaving Earth for deep space to fulfill his ego-driven dream. Moore wrote, directed, and performed for his master’s thesis at Berklee College of Music NYC in 2022.
Bitter Brownies – The dark comedy by U.S.-based James Carman tells the story of a devious thief who pilfers lunch from the company refrigerator. The mischief turns staff employees out for blood. Where will this food bandit strike next?
Life Savers – The short commercial film by Polish Lukasz Wdowicz is about a granddaughter who is up for no good to get out of a family gathering for an ill grandfather confined in a hospital.
Searching for Chunk – The short documentary by Samuel Haft from the U.S. is about two friends who discover an old novelty record on YouTube. As they try to track the story behind it, they accidentally bring their selves into an increasingly surreal investigation.
Till the Music Stop – The directorial debut of Emilie De Monsabert from France narrates the story of a witness at her best friend’s wedding. Pauline hopes to enjoy the extraordinary day and get closer to the handsome Raphael. Will it be hard for her to take her eyes off her disabled daughter Emma?
Dream On – The inspiring short film from U.S.-based Dale Metz and Sarah-Lee Dobbs tells the story of Kylie who dreams of a career in the performing arts. When her audition letter finally arrives, she struggles to find the confidence to make it happen.
I Can Do Anything: A Letter to Burning Man – Alba Roland Mejia from the U.S. created the experimental short film about an intimate, character-focused exploration of the unique black experience at Burning Man.
The momentous event will kick off with a performance by homegrown act Santa Maria Academy Dance Troupe. The high school teens were tapped from the Summer Dance Workshop and Training 2023.
Musical performances in sets from acoustic guitarists and singers Miro Valera and Jeff Bolivar will further provide the feels and engage guests as they enjoy the outdoor viewing party with food and booze.
Barefoot Wine & Arbor Mist will pour free wine. Organizers advise attendees to bring and use their own tumblers (Laguna has a ‘no use of plastic ordinance’) for drinks and water that are available at refilling stations. Product samples from Conzace, Nafarin, and Immunpro will also be distributed during the event.
The event venue is situated at the summit of Sierra Madre, facilitating a 360-degree scenic view of Mount Banahaw, Mount Cristobal, and Mount Sembrano, overlooking Laguna de Bay and the Pililia windmills. Guests will have to take a short hike or get into designated transport services to get to the site. Attendees are advised to prepare for cold winds and possible occasional rain (though the venue will have a huge tent for weather protection).
Navigate directions going to the venue or explore available accommodations through this link. Event tickets are free, but seats are limited. Secure a spot through this link.
Additional event reminders:
- There is a designated area for smoking or vaping. Ashtrays and disposal containers are provided.
- A medical team will be on standby to ensure attendees’ safety and well-being.
- Picnics are not allowed during movie screenings. There will be designated areas (outside the viewing area) for enjoying meals before and after the event.
- Overnight stays or camping at the event site will not be allowed. Everyone will be advised to leave the venue after the event.
- Guests taking videos or photos are advised not to cause distractions during movie screenings.
- There will be art installations featuring 10 thought-provoking pieces, each conveying unique stories.
- Leave only memories behind (clean as you go).
The event is supported by Wearzitee. Have a sip of a soon-to-rise World Cup Café atop Sierra Madre. The organizing committee is spearheaded by short film writer and director Jennifer Maliwanag as part of her passion project as a film student at Harvard University. The team includes cinematic storyteller Rex Lopez, aural connoisseur Jude Gotinga, cinema visionary craftsman Jerico Maliwanag, and globetrotting literary maestro Mohammed Abedi.
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