MANILA, Philippines (August 2026) – Long before algorithms and digital automation took over creative work, manual craft relied on patience, sweat, and the distinct smell of fresh ink. That fading world of hands-on tradition takes center stage in “Silkscreen,” which won the coveted Best Short Film award at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Directed, written, edited, and co-produced by Zamboanga del Norte filmmaker Rey Anthony Villaverde, the Dipolog and Dumaguete drama marks his second victorious appearance on the festival stage after his 2024 metacinema comedy “Ambot Wa Ko Kabalo Unsay I-Title Ani.”
A story rooted in real life
The film stars Justine Lawrence Lopez alongside Nonoy Barbaso and Mariel Barbaso. It follows Roy, a young printer working around the clock to keep his family’s worn-down shop afloat while managing a mountain of orders. Beyond the business struggles, Roy faces the quiet distance growing between himself and his aging father, who originally built the shop.
For Villaverde, a Silliman University political science major, the story comes straight from his childhood. Growing up around his family’s printing business shaped his perspective, from the noise of the machines to watching wet T-shirts come off the press. He shared that traditional arts built on skill and patience are slowly being pushed aside by fast, automated technology, making the story even more personal.
The Cinemalaya jury praised “Silkscreen” for its textured cinematography, precise color grading, and detailed sound design. They highlighted how the short film balanced silent tension and tender affection between father and son as they navigated changing times.
The team behind the award-winning short
Villaverde brought the vision to life with cinematographer El-El Barinaga, production designer Filamie Sami, musical scorer Emmauel Jaboneta, and colorist Joe Nico Ebora. The sound design team included Nowell Teves, Anthony Silva, and Angelito Linogo.
The project was backed by executive producer Rey S. Villaverde, co-producers Catherine T. Villaverde, Cham Guevarra, and Derek Pulliam, assistant director Mariel Barbaso, and creative producer Zig Dulay.
Other Cinemalaya 2026 short film winners
The 2026 edition of Cinemalaya also celebrated several other talented Pinoy filmmakers across the short film category:
- Special Jury Prize: “Para-paraan” by Mae Chan Li
- NETPAC Award: “The River Flows in Different Places” by Lot-Lot Hermosura
- Audience Choice Award: “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!” by Norvin delos Santos
- Best Director: Gabriela Serrano for “Elenita, Elena, Elaine”
- Best Screenplay: Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin R. Pateña for “RUNO!”
