Successful 1st Subic Bay International Film Festival
By Iya G. Oliva
Subic Bay Freeport — It took two Olongapo City locals, both former ABS-CBN newspersons, to finally launch the first Subic Bay International Film Festival (SBIFF) here recently
Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr., now publisher of Subic Bay News and president & chief executive officer (CEO) of the Freeport locator FuelEast Energy Corporation (FEC), teamed-up with filmmaker Arlyn dela Cruz-Bernal of Blank Pages Productions to hold the much-awaited film festival which many others have tried but failed to turn into reality.
“There had been many attempts to launch film festivals in Subic Bay, one even initiated by a former tourism secretary, but none materialized,” said Derrick Manuel, manager of Harbor Point Ayala Mall.
In partnership with Harbor Point Ayala Mall, Festival Directors Vizcocho and dela Cruz-Bernal said they have labored since the latter part of 2017, attracting some 12 film outfits wanting to join the festival, but only six (6) films were chosen.
“We did not charge entry fees for the participating film outfits and opened to the public the screening of the six (6) films with free admission for three (3) consecutive days, the duration of the festival at Harbor Point’s Cinema 1,” Vizcocho said. “We are happy that despite the rains, people from all walks of life took time to view the movies.”
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman & Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, a patroness of the Arts, expressed appreciation to Vizcocho and dela Cruz’ efforts in putting up the SBIFF. “Our vision in the long run is to have a film festival like Cannes in France,” Eisma said in her message as Guest of Honor in the Awards Night, “we look forward to next year’s Subic Bay International Film Festival.”
The Awards Night at the final day of the festival saw the film Bhoy Intsik romping-off with four awards, namely Best Picture, Best Actor for RS Francisco, Best in Cinematography for Rain Yamson III and Best in Story and Screenplay for Ronald Carballo.
Tessie Tomas won the Best Actress Award for her role as a widowed senior citizen bent on finishing her elementary education in Old Skool, which also won Best in Music for Nonong Buencamino and Best in Production Design for Romy Regala.
Best Director went to Dominic Nuesa and Best Editing to Javier Abola, both for Ang Araw Sa Likod Mo.
Isang Hakbang was given a special award as Best Ensemble and Elwood Perez, who was head of the panel of jurors, was given the Master in Cinema recognition.
The Aiko Melendez starrer Balatkayo and Rolyo of Carlos Morales earned nominations but both failed to clinch an award despite the tight competition that caused the panel of jurors close to four (4) hours of heated deliberations before reaching a unanimous verdict on the results.
Joining Perez as jurors were Festival Directors Vizcocho, dela Cruz-Bernal, Director Emmanuel dela Cruz, lawyers Randy B. Escolango and Arleen Basas, of the Insurance Commission and POEA, respectively, Aura College President and CEO Edgar Geniza and Subicwater President and CEO Benjamin “Bubong” E. Antonio III.
