A SHORTFILM from Far Eastern University earned a ticket to Hollywood after winning People’s Choice Award at the Short+Sweet Manila Gala Finals last Sept. 26.
Hannah Grace Maur‘s “Aswang” will represent the Philippines in Short+Sweet together with Ar-Jen Manlapig‘s “Ang Unang Araw ng Pasukan,” which bagged Best Film, Best Direction and Best Screenplay. The two winners will be showcased along with other selected films at the Marilyn Monroe Theater in Los Angeles, California on Oct.13.
“Aswang” tells the story of little Ruben (Alvin Maghanoy) who believes that Lilith (Lyka Dela Cruz), the beautiful lady in their town, is an aswang. His world changes upon knowing about Lilith’s suspicious interest in his family. Rowi Du and Gaye Piccio play Ruben’s parents.
Written by Marygail Alcantara, “Aswang” earlier won honorable mention at the 30th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video. It also bagged 3rd Best Film and Best Production Design at the Sinepiyu XI Golden Reel category last May.
“Ang Unang Araw ng Pasukan,” on the other hand, is about a 10-year-old boy from a poor family who goes to school on the first day of classes in what seems to be a very enticing day for him. The five-minute film also won the grand prize at the first Sinekabataan last year.