Misamis Occidental turns into a vibrant hub for independent cinema as the
6th Oroquieta Film Festival showcases 28 selected works from across the
Visayas and Mindanao from October 12 to 15. Among the entries chosen for
the Lumayagan Shorts Competition is “Those Little Things,” a sci-fi short
film hailing from Negros Occidental.
Produced under Kwentista Produksyon, the short film transports viewers to
the year 2222 in a cyberpunk version of Bacolod. The plot follows a
teenager (Ynez Arceo) navigating a seemingly routine day with her father
(Bon Cerbo), completely unaware that a surprise awaits her.
Beneath its futuristic exterior, the film balances speculative technology
with deeply human warmth, exploring the quiet bonds between parent and
child against a high-tech backdrop. John Arceo plays different characters
as a supporting actor.
Co-directors and co-producers Poli Gonzales, who also supervised the visual
effects team, and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa, who also wrote the screenplay,
faced the ambitious challenge of constructing an entire sci-fi universe
within a short production window. Refuting initial doubts, the team brought
their vision of future Bacolod to life through grit and artistic
collaboration.
“There were endless ‘what ifs’ and doubts if we could pull this off with
the time frame given to us, but we did it. We made it happen. We introduced
Lara and Tatay. This was a story woven with challenges, creativity, and
passion to create a vivid, engaging world. It is driven by a force to push
beyond the limits, creating a world that is non-existent while still being
relevant and relatable,” Gonzales-Gamboa shared.
“Every scene had its own nuances from the year 2222 to Tatay, Lara, the
social issues, technology and many more. Without you realizing it, you came
to see that it was ‘Those Little Things’ that encapsulates the essence of
the story, emphasizing how seemingly small or mundane elements can come
together to form something meaningful and memorable,” she added.
Apart from the two director-producers, the other Negrense creatives who
crafted the visual and auditory landscape of a futuristic Negros include
co-producer Georgia Mari Elardo, director of photography Paolo Correa,
associate producer and production designer Kathryn Tecson-Baynosa, sound
designer Rolf Baynosa, musical scorers Laurens Uberas and Baynosa, editor
Ninya Duleton, visual effects artists Enrique Raul Varon, Donna Fe Marfito,
Michael Bryan Bello, Timothy Franz Gelvoligaya, Bon Andy Padilla and Joshua
Wayco, assistant cameraman Kenth John Ferrer Dondonayo, assistant director
Aireianne Margaret Ordinario, production manager Dani Algara, art director
Luigi De Guzman, prop crafter Clinton Puerta, set dresser Hervinell Pahila,
production set assistant Luigi Maghari, setman Alihap Serenas Herbs, food
stylist Denzel Perez, wardrobe coordinator Leaden Rubica, hair and makeup
artist Carlos Durana Jr. and assistant Cookz M. Compao, key grip Jofel
Ramos, lighting crew Angelo Tubongbanua and Lourd Tormis, gaffer Enrique
Raul Varon, best boy Carlos Adrian Liza, logistics head Bello, production
assistants Marfito and Antonio Ongque, behind-the-scenes photographer and
videographer Hernan Bes Baldevia, and utility boy Renald Padriquel.
As one of three entries representing Negros Occidental in the Lumayagan
Shorts Competition, “Those Little Things” stands as a bold testament to the
evolving scale and artistic reach of regional filmmaking.
