FAMAS proudly presents its inaugural Short Film Festival
Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) has always been known for its awards. This time, the organization proudly announced the launch of its first-ever FAMAS Short Film Festival, a pioneering event designed to elevate short filmmaking. The 2025 festival, presented by REMS Entertainment, offers a prominent platform for Filipino filmmakers to showcase their artistic visions and compelling narratives.
Director Gabby Ramos
FAMAS president Francia Conrado
Focusing on diversity, innovation, and storytelling, the festival invites submissions across various categories, including Short Film, Student Film, Regional Film, Advocacy Film, and Documentaries. This initiative reinforces FAMAS’ commitment to supporting emerging Filipino filmmakers and celebrating the richness of Philippine cinema through short-form narratives.
FAMAS President Ms. Francia Conrado recounted the festival’s genesis, stating, “In a very casual conversation, the director was there and I said, it’s always been my dream to have a short film festival that is separate from the annual awards of FAMAS. It’s focused on the mainstream. I really find it so, like, not being able to recognize even if I would say the best actors or artists or director is in the short film.”
A press conference was held by FAMAS president Francia Conrado and festival director Gabby Ramos to promote the short film festival.
REMS Entertainment CEO, Direk Gabby Ramos, added, “This festival is not just a competition, it is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the boundless potential of Filipino filmmakers. We look forward to bringing these powerful stories to a wider audience.”
Regarding the selection process, Direk Gabby explained, “The criteria for judging will be posted on social media. But of course, that’s the narrative, the creation, how do you light it, how do you act it, how do you direct it. It’s the same as a film festival. But FAMAS will just award the best short film to the rightful owner of the award. The one who has the best, the best short film.”
Aspiring filmmakers can submit entries from January 24 to March 25, 2025. Selected films will be screened between May 3 and May 9, 2025. The festival culminates with an Awards Night on May 10, 2025, where exceptional films and filmmakers will receive FAMAS trophies.
Submissions can be made via the official festival submission form available on the official festival page. Inquiries can be directed to famas.shortfilm@gmail.com, or visit the official Facebook page of the FAMAS Short Film Festival.
ALL ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
Categories:
- Short Film: Fictional or non-fictional stories that evoke emotions or explore artistic ideas.
- Student Film: Films submitted and endorsed by educational institutions.
- Regional Film: Works produced outside Metro Manila, showcasing unique regional cultures and languages.
- Advocacy Film: Projects raising awareness of particular issues and encouraging viewer engagement.
- Documentary: Fact-based films addressing real-life events and social issues.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Film must be under 20 minutes (including credits).
- Must be in the original language with English subtitles.
- The director must be a Filipino citizen.
- Production must occur in the Philippines (co-productions accepted).
- Film must not have been previously submitted to FAMAS.
- Student Films require educational endorsement.
- Regional Films should depict local stories.
- Advocacy and Documentary Films must address societal issues.
AWARDS CATEGORIES:
- Best Short Film
- Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Screenplay
- Best Editing
- Best Music & Sound Design
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
Other Awards
- Best Documentary
- Best Student Film
- Best Regional Film
- Best Advocacy Film
PRIZES and OPPORTUNITIES:
Winners will receive the iconic FAMAS Trophies.
MECHANICS
HOW TO SUBMIT:
- Access the digital submission form via this link >> https://forms.gle/dnH5Y53U3jaxWqWB8
- Complete the required details.
- Pay the screener fee:
- P 2,500 (regular) or P 2,000 (students)
- Upload proof of payment.
- Submit your entry.
Submission Deadline: March 25, 2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
- Announcement of Official Selections: First Week of April 2025
- Cinema Screenings: May 3 – 9, 2025
- Awards Night: May 10, 2025
