Ten homegrown stories are heading to the big screen as the 3rd Bacolod Film Festival prepares to run from November 27 to 29, 2026.
Under the guidance of Festival Director Tanya P. Lopez, the event will host screenings at SM Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Cinematheque Centre Negros.
Among the selected directors is Reginald Amador Zack Verzosa, who is returning to the festival lineup with his new entry “Tukturuok.”
A cum laude graduate in Communication from the University of St. La Salle, Verzosa refined his screenwriting skills at the 2022 Negros Summer Workshops. Over the years, he has built a strong creative portfolio.
His previous film “Glub” earned Best Makeup for Swoop Belesario Diaz at the 2024 Bacolod Film Festival, along with a Best Director nomination for him and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jigear Tonato.
“Glub” explored themes of grief and human connection through Finneaus, a young man coping with his mother’s death. After being ditched during a date, Finneaus navigates a crowded world until he encounters someone who truly understands his worth.
Verzosa’s earlier works “Añoranza” and “Ritmo” were named Sine Negrense Open Category finalists in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
He wrote and directed “Instrumentum: Garden of Eden,” which was awarded Best TV Drama at the USLS Communication Society Bilib Awards in 2022. He also co-wrote “Yours Truly,” which won Best Picture at the Inasal Awards in 2022.
In “Tukturuok”, Verzosa expands on his narrative range by weaving family drama, local folklore, and dark comedy. Written with action descriptions in English and dialogue primarily in Hiligaynon, the screenplay examines the lengths to which a father will go to rescue his child. Through its blend of local culinary heritage, domestic struggle, and the supernatural, “Tukturuok” offers a moving tribute to sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of home.
Joining Verzosa in this year’s festival are nine other directors and their projects, namely Rolf Dubouzet Baynosa’s “Beware of Dog,” Nathan Bringuer’s “Tigayon,” Farlyn John Casidsid’s “Si Balong Gin Bulang,” Dranreb Cimatu’s “Buklod Balod Bakod Bacolod,” Renzo Grijaldo’s “Ka Aslum Sang Batwan,” Jaden Tenzing Mijares’ “Princaesar,” Mai Montelibano’s “Lumay,” Kurt Soberano’s “Duwa Duwa,” and Pamela Reinee Viedor’s “Ang Tagabantay.”
Together, these ten narratives highlight the depth and variety of Negrense storytelling.
