The First Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Illegal Drugs Film Festival, with seven films in competition, was organized in celebration of the 22nd PCR Month on July 2017, through the initiatives of the Police Community Relations Group (PRCG), in support to the Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign Plan – Double Barrel: Reloaded.
A brainchild of Chief Supt. Gilberto DC Cruz, Director of PRCG, the inaugural filmfest showcasing seven films focusing around the drug menace, has the participation of film students coming from three educational institutions, who made to the finals.
The films in competition are “Banyuhay,” “Batak Bata,” “High Na Si Lola,” “Toktok Hangyo,” “Tanpos,” “Kutob” and “Sais Bente Tres” from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, La Concolacion College (Manila) and Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology. Here are the movies with the names of their respective director, scriptwriter, casts and adviser:
1. Banyuhay, directed by Elna May Santana, screenplay by Karen Bondoc and Jobelle Macayan. Cast: Jeremi Flores, Alexander Joshua Barcela, Queenie Fernandez, Maria Divina Tigno, Mary Mae Lodriguito, Vilma Tolin, Gabriel dela Rosa and Simon Asenjo. Adviser: Dr. Maria Lourdes D.P. Garcia (Polytechnic University of the Philippines).
2. Batak Bata, directed by Ian Villa, screenplay by Al-Jhun Virgo. Cast: Jess San Andres, Tessie Lagman, Tony Suvega, Ernie Garcia and Jan Dio. Adviser: Prof. Eduardo Palmos (Polytechnic University of the Philippines).
3. Kutob, directed by Daniel Bernaldo, written by William Ompoc, screenplay by Darwin Pesco. Cast: Lloyd Hatulan, Kruspakaya Valila, Ericka Louise Bumansag and Earl Justin Pingol. Adviser: Edna Tormon-Bernabe (Polytechnic University of the Philippines).
4. Tantos, directed by Raymart Ardaim, story by Aaron Dale Miranda and Shun Paolo Bueno, screenplay by Elda Len Morales. Cast: Jason Espinosa, Shaira Mae Reblando, Wyndel Usero, Carlo Manuel Sr., Jim Paolo Cruz, Michael Benedict Sindayen and Yutaro Sato. Adviser: Dr. Maria Lourdes D.P. Garcia (Polytechnic University of the Philippines).
5. Toktok Hangyo, directed and screenplay by Kris Cazin. Cast: Jaybee Ormasa, Jan Aaron Olabarrieta, Austin Seth Ignacio, Alyssa Rae Tan, Ray Escalante, Des Campos, Gabriel Ian Marasigan, Rosalinda Mercedes Castillo, Philip Cinco and Kim Clarete. Adviser: Dr. Auxilie Salvosa (La Consolacion College).
6. High na si Lola, directed by Abigail Modales, screenplay by Ma. Divina del Pilar. Cast: Alvin Fortuna, Jeff Fernandez, Liz Alindogan, Steph Cordero and Perla Bautista. Adviser: Prof. Eduardo Palmos (Polytechnic University of the Philippines).
7. Sais Bente Tres, directed by Paul Caisip and Jeffrey Deplomo, story by Deplomo, screenplay by Maricris Madara. Cast: Jeremy Asis, Janet Batubatan, Renzo Gruezo, Trisha Leonor, Star Orjaliza and Pontri Bernardo. Adviser: Estrellita Glodo (Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology).
Winners will be declared tonight at the red-carpet event organized by Prime Events Productions PhilippinesFoundation Inc. (PEPPs) and the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“I enjoin everyone to support the war against illegal drugs by giving support to the 1st PNP Illegal-Drugs film festival coming from the minds of our youth asking for change in our society,” Chief Supt. Cruz, told the judges during the final screening of the 7 entries held at Camp Crame headquarters. Cruz, who is no stranger to filmfest as he was involved in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival with the entry “Banal,” said the PNP plans to have the PNP film festival annually.
The Film Festival aims to continuously instill in the minds of the Filipino people the relevance of the different stakeholders’ commitment, especially the youth, and in empowering them for a safe and secure environment, thus create an impact to the citizenry relative to the government’s Illegal Drugs Awareness Campaign.
The Film Festival also aims to encourage the youth to actively participate and support the Anti- Illegal Drugs and Awareness Campaign of the PNP. It also aims to promote the programs and projects of the PNP to the general public to reshape their minds towards the police as their protector and partner for a safe and secure environment.
The PNP has invited President Rodrigo Duterte to grace the awards ceremonies as well as Cannes filmest best director awardee Brilliante Mendoza. The 1st PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Film Festival receives support from the UNTV, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
The target audience will be the youth nationwide who will be urged to watch the films either in schools, barangay halls or through social media. The film entries will be shown in UNTV media. The winning films will become mainstays in the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Roadshows nationwide. Only three (3) Best Films will be selected for showing at selected Cinemas/ Movie Theaters/Cinema One nationwide and will be shown for at least one (1) day. All films submitted will be co-owned by the PNP-PCRG and UNTV.
