MANILA, Philippines (Jul 2026) — A couple of brilliant young Pinoy filmmakers from Far Eastern University (FEU) are taking their school projects straight to the national stage. The university’s Department of Communication secured two finalist slots at the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, popularly known as Gawad Alternatibo.
The two selected titles, “Ibong Yabi” and “Kahel,” represent completely different genres of storytelling, moving from a heavy real-world documentary to an inventive musical narrative.
Real stories from the margins
Directed by Mark Jomil Reyes, “Ibong Yabi” is a short documentary that shines a light on the Mangyan Alangan women who serve as the primary breadwinners for their households. The film follows the daily lives of Lybelyn and Diana, showing the harsh economic limitations and systemic challenges their community faces every day. From traditional kaingin farming and making walis tingting to irregular manual labor, the documentary captures their survival and ultimate strength.
Before entering the festival’s documentary category, the project already gained recognition at the FEU Tam DokyuFest 2026. Jarvey Abutan won the Best Sound award for creating realistic soundscapes of the community’s daily life. The film was developed under media practitioner Julius Segovia in his Documentary Production class.
A musical for the dreamers
On the other side of the spectrum is “Kahel,” a 20-minute musical short film directed by Garnet Morilla Llames and produced by the Kuwerdas production house. The story follows Elias, an ordinary worker who ditches his standard 9-to-5 job to chase his musical dreams in the city. His journey takes an unexpected turn when a sudden jeepney breakdown leaves him stranded alongside his longtime musical idol.
“Kahel” enters the narrative category after sweeping major awards at Sinepiyu XVIII, the annual student film festival organized by the FEU Film Society. The musical took home Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score in the All Tamaraws Division, alongside the Gawad Bathala Best Film at the Tamaraw Media Awards.
Llames, who is also one-half of the indie-pop duo Justin + Garnet, described the project as an emotional anchor for creatives torn between stability and passion. He dedicated the piece to all the dreamers who keep going despite the odds. The film was completed as a final requirement for the Directing and Film Production class taught by filmmaker Seymour Sanchez.
Catch them on the big screen
Both films are moving from the classroom to a much larger audience. You can watch “Ibong Yabi” and “Kahel” at the upcoming Gawad Alternatibo festival, which runs from Aug. 7 to 16. Screenings will take place at the Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza and Gateway Cineplex 18.
