‘Ani’ harvests top prize at Binisaya Film Festival
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Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of Communication alumna Ayessa Tan added another feather to her cap as her short film “Ani” clinched the Best Film award under the Binisaya Horizons category at the 16th Binisaya International Film Festival, held from Aug. 16 to 23.
This was announced during the festival’s closing program, where the Padayon Award winners were recognized.
Prior to its success in Cebu, the short film gained critical acclaim at FEU’s Sinepiyu XVIII, taking home 3rd Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Vic Romano.
“Ani” stood out among outstanding entries showcasing new works outside of Cebu. Written and directed by Tan, a Cavite-based filmmaker, “Ani” delves into pressing social issues surrounding agricultural workers and systemic anti-corruption efforts.
The film’s production team expressed their deepest gratitude to the festival organizers, Cebuano audiences, and the jury for placing their trust in the project. While the team was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person, they emphasized that the honor serves as a vital platform for their message.
“Although our production team could not be there physically, we are profoundly grateful for this award and for the opportunity to share our story, a narrative that stands with our farmers and speaks out against corruption,” said Tan, dedicating the victory to everyone who supported and contributed to the film.
Tan got ample support from cinematographer and editor Jose Gabriel Unson, production designer Ethan Laurence Bardaje, sound designer Augusto Adre, musical scorer Mark Manansala, and actors Karl Medina, Sharon Ceneta, Vic Romano, Lau Apostol, Prince España, and Chrissy Abadicio.
“Ani” was officially selected for Binisaya along with another FEU entry, “Where the Cave Ends” directed by Nix Vergara, who was able to attend the event.
Other Binisaya 16 major winners include “Sulong Kad” by Tyl Abellaneda (Cebu), Binisaya Shorts Best Film; “The Groundhog’s Nightmare” by Cromwell Ken Ibo (Davao), Binisaya Shorts Jury Award; “Hey Stranger” by Dan Lopez (Cebu), Binisaya Audience’s Choice; “samtang naghulat ko nga maakoa ka…” by Linus Masandag (Leyte), Binisaya Giatay; and “The Red Banca” by Nena Jane (Philippines), Binisaya World.
Up next, “Ani” will be screened as part of the 13th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition from Sept. 16 to 18 together with another FEU film, “Oguima” written and directed by Zarrina Fernandez.
“The Binisaya International Film Festival is a grassroots independent film event founded in 2009 in Cebu City, to showcase regional Visayan stories and global cinema. It focuses on Vernacular Bisaya films, regional Philippine works [Binisaya Horizons], and international short films [Binisaya World]. It is committed to develop a unique local cinematic voice free from commercial constraints and host discussions on the state of regional filmmaking.”
To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, please visit the link: https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-arts-and-sciences/ba-comm/
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