Organizers of the Bacolod Film Festival now accept scripts with the theme “Stories with a Smile” or those with a “potential to inspire laughter, warmth, and a renewed appreciation for the brighter side of life.”
The filmfest, set to be held in September this year, is open to filmmakers who are registered voters and residents of Bacolod City. They can be producers, directors, or scriptwriters of an entry.
The festival accepts short film scripts of any genre, such as romance, drama, comedy, or horror, in any Filipino language with English translation. Entries must be submitted on or before May 18, 11:59 p.m., after which 10 finalists will be chosen.
Selected filmmakers will be given a production grant of P300,000 each, to be released in two tranches, the first of which is P200,000 . The remaining P100,000 will be released once the picture lock version of the film has been submitted.
The total running time of the entries must be 15-20 minutes, including opening and closing credits. The short films must be in narrative live action form, when taken as a whole. Documentary, experimental or animation will not be accepted, except if added only as elements within the film.
The film festival aims to create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents and further solidify Bacolod, known as the “City of Smiles,” as one of the creative hubs for filmmaking in the Philippines.