Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival (INPFF) calls for Film Entries that uplift the human spirit

“We thought that it was going to be a one-time thing. What happened was beyond our expectations. I left the venue very inspired.” ~Leni Robredo, Vice President of the Philippines

Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival (INPFF)

Now on its second year, Istorya ng Pag-asa Festival (INPFF) is a nationwide competition for original short documentaries and or a short films featuring extraordinary stories of ordinary Filipinos. The objective is to give a platform for short films showcasing true and inspiring stories of hope. A project of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Encourages Filipino filmmakers to showcase true and inspiring stories of hope.

Hope is a powerful thing. It lives very intimately with many other homegrown values of the ordinary Filipino. Courage. Grit and determination. Pride in hard and honest work. Pride in a life lived simply.

Vice President Leni Robredo, who presides the panel discussion during the launch, said that they were encouraged to stage the second run of the film fest after receiving so many inspiring entries last year. Istorya ng Pag-Asa initially started as a roving photo gallery. It was only last year that the film festival was launched to celebrate the project’s first anniversary. 

Out of the 73 entries that the film fest received in its initial run, top 15 films were chosen. The Vice President said that they received so many moving entries that they decided to include more prizes this year, such as the People’s Choice Award.

The Vice President shared that the idea behind Istorya ng Pag-Asa started after she attended the “Araw ng Pagbasa, Araw ng Pag-Asa" event held in 2016. She was inspired by the stories of weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz and Nanay Lorna Tambawan, a turon vendor, who successfully sent her children to good schools.

The film festival will give a chance to the top three winning entries to be screened in Ayala cinemas nationwide as part of the winners’ prizes.

Those who are interested in joining this year’s competition can submit:
Three (3) to five (5) - minute video that features an individual or group whose story is a source of inspiration to their community.

The following top films will receive respective awards and prizes:

• Best Film - Php 80,000.00 + Trophy
• 1st Runner-up - Php 50,000.00 + Trophy
• 2nd Runner-up Php 30,000.00 + Trophy
• Best Director - Cash Prize + Trophy
• Best Cinematography - Cash Prize + Trophy
• Best Script - Cash Prize + Trophy
• People's Choice Award - Cash Prize + Trophy
• Special Award c/o AFI - Cash Prize + Trophy

Judging Criteria

• 40% Concept & Story
• 20% Presentation of the Theme (Hope)
• 20% Quality of Production
• 10% Reach & Impact
• 10% Overall Experience

Deadline for the submission of entries is on March 25, 2019. The top 10 films will be announced on April 30, 2019, and they will be screened during the INPFF Gala Night and awarding ceremony on June 8, 2019.

Istorya ng Pag-Asa initially started as a roving photo gallery. It was only last year that the film festival was launched to celebrate the project’s first anniversary. Out of the 73 entries that the film fest received in its initial run, top 15 films were chosen. The Vice President said that they received so many moving entries that they decided to include more prizes this year, such as the People’s Choice Award.

( L-R) : Florence Rosini, INPFF 2018 grand winner; Vice President Leni Robredo; and Meg Serranilla, INPFF 2018 third prize winner

( L-R) : Florence Rosini, INPFF 2018 grand winner; Vice President Leni Robredo; and Meg Serranilla, INPFF 2018 third prize winner

They both pointed out that one doesn’t need to use sophisticated gadgetry to create a good film. Rosini, a film student from UP, made use of the equipment that her classmates already had, while Serranilla utilized a DLSR camera and some lights.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the OVP and the FDCP for the second year of the INPFF. The success of the first INPFF in 2018 showed that there is great interest in stories that offer hope and inspiration for people from all walks of life. For the second year of the festival, we are excited to see young filmmakers share more uplifting stories that will truly make us proud to be Filipinos.” ~Ruel Maranan, Ayala Foundation President

Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival (INPFF)

Keep your eyes open to find stories of hope around you. You may be surprised by what you will see. Let’s turn this into a movement that will change our nation. Join us and let us change the conversation!

Application forms can be found at

istoryapagasa.ovp.gov.ph

About the INPFF
The Istorya ng Pag-asa Film Festival is a nationwide film competition that aims to give a platform to inspiring, unique, and extraordinary stories of ordinary Filipinos. It is a project of the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.