MANILA, Philippines (Aug. 2026) – A compelling historical period piece from the Philippines is taking its story of resistance, rights, and human dignity to an international audience in Seattle this fall.
Director Vincent Joseph “VinJo” Entuna’s short film “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair) has been officially selected to screen at the Diwa Filipino Film Festival in October. The film will anchor Shorts Program 5: The Struggle Continues, a curated lineup exploring the ongoing fight for fundamental rights. Set during a turbulent historical period, the story follows a humble barber as he cuts the hair of diverse patrons, ranging from a powerful landowner to an idealistic young nephew.
From local acclaim to international screens
The Seattle selection comes after a standout festival run across the Philippines. Entuna previously earned Best Director honors in the Philippine Shorts category at the Margaha Film Festival in Sagay City, the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival, and the PangaSine Film Festival. At the 2024 Bacolod Film Festival, “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” captured major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Bridging Negrense history and global audiences
For Entuna, a UP Film Institute alumnus, MA Araling Filipino student at De La Salle University, and faculty member at Mapúa University and Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila, bringing the film to the Pacific Northwest helps build a bridge between regional Negrense history and international viewers.
The project brought together a dedicated creative team, including producer and director of photography Joshua Fabricante, co-producer Benj Ramos, line producer Rosette Andres Caballero, production designer Josiah Gil Hiponia, and assistant director Gian Paulo Suarez. The cast features Nonilon Torpez, Quito Treñas, Aubrey Jalipa Savet, Martini Manalo, CJ Fuentespina, DMs Boongaling, Zeke Entuna, Fredu Bayon-on, Leumel Renzo, Andre Yan, Ken Panilag, Lex Nillos, and Victor Villanueva.
Spotlighting Pinoy stories in Seattle
Screening alongside Entuna’s film in Shorts Program 5 are “Ang Kahimayáang Matúod” (The Real Glory) by Adrian William Lo, “Tales My Father Told” by Sher Bautista, “Static Noises” by Jomz Alip Lailo, and “The Foresters” by Jefferson Geronimo.
Founded in 2014 and led by festival director Adrian Alarilla, the Seattle-based Diwa Filipino Film Festival provides a community-focused platform dedicated to preserving local narratives, exploring cultural identity, and highlighting underrepresented voices across the Pinoy diaspora.
