Educational institution iACADEMY successfully launched the second edition of the iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab yesterday, January 9, continuing its mission of empowering filmmakers and shedding light on concepts rooted in Indigenous and regional topics.
In collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), the program commenced in Makati City with a visionary speech by iACADEMY President and COO Raquel Perez Wong.
“iNDIEGENIUS aims to empower aspiring filmmakers by providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive. By nurturing these creative voices, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape. This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to foster talent and support innovative storytelling,” Wong said.
The event was attended by filmmakers, mentees, and personalities in the film industry such as National Artist Ricky Lee and directors Mark Meily and Paolo Villaluna, who empowered filmmakers with their inspiring talks on storytelling.
Veteran screenwriter Ricky Lee, the co-writer behind MMFF film ‘Green Bones’, underscored the benefits of belonging to a community like iNDIEGENIUS in honing the skills and voices of filmmakers. “That’s what you learn in a community, nakikita natin na hindi lang ideas natin ang maganda or ideas nila, kun’di ‘yong dialectical collision that produces the magic of ‘the ikatlong katas;’ the third idea.”
“Sinabi ko kanina ‘no na mahirap maging alone sa industriya but, on the other hand, I think it’s important every now and then to feel alone, despite all the noise around. To feel alone so that nakikita mo ang sarili mo, naririnig mo ang sarili mong boses, nakikipagusap ka sa sarili mong kuwento, nakikipagusap ka sa sarili mong emosyon, sa sarili mong puso, and eventually, nahahawakan mo ang boses mo and then, you start to assert your voice and to tell your stories in your own voice,” Ricky Lee added, valuing balance when it comes to the craft.
Mark Meily, who is also the President of DGPI, shared his experiences as a film director and stressed the impact that iNDIEGENIUS has on filmmakers and Filipinos as a whole. “It is these opportunities that can give a chance for the world to discover the story of those Filipinos.”
Meanwhile, Paolo Villaluna, Director-General of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), shared how films made him who he is, mirroring the experience of the people in the room. He also encouraged them to continue what they were doing for a greater purpose.
The kick-off event also screened Kydylee Torato’s ‘Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin’ (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains), a short drama on the ritual practices of people in Capiz, Torato’s hometown, and their relationship with their healing tree.
Shane David’s ‘Muli na ka, Merlie’ was also screened for the first time. Along with Torato’s film, they were last year’s iNDIEGENIUS winners of short film grants.
iNDIEGENIUS 2 will focus on filmmakers aged 18 to 35. 10 finalist projects and 10 scholars will be selected, all of whom will undergo intensive workshops. Meanwhile, two projects will be awarded production grants during the program.
“This expansion means that up to 20 projects in development will benefit from the project lab,” said Keith Sicat, iACADEMY’s Creative Director and iNDIEGENIUS Program Director.
“Last year’s scholars, Cedrick Labadia and Sophia Velonza, had transformative experiences at the Busan International Film Festival—one with their iNDIEGENIUS-developed film and the other through Platform Busan, its educational arm,” Sicat added.
This year’s mentor lineup is composed of Doy Del Mundo, Digo Ricio, Tey Clamor, Alemberg Ang, Martika Escobar, Ilsa Malsi, Mikko Quizon, Angeli Bayani, and Dolly de Leon. Meanwhile, the final jurors are Laurice Guillen, Ed Lejano, and Bianca Balbuena.
Applications are open until January 27, 2025, at https://indiegenius.iacademy.edu.ph.
