By E.H. EDEJER | October 7, 2025

FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has organized a competition for locally-produced short films to spotlight Bataeño film makers and help produce artistic crafts that speak about local people and their struggles and dreams.

Ten original films, each produced and directed by mostly young film makers and technical teams, have qualified to compete in the first FAB Film Festival (FFF), said AFAB information officer Faye Arceo on Monday, Oct. 6.

Premier night and judging of the films have been set on Oct. 14 at the AFAB Auditorium, while regular screening has been scheduled at SM City Bataan on Oct. 20 to 21, and at the AFAB Auditorium on Oct. 22 to 23.

A film exhibit will also be open for the public at the AFAB Administration Building lobby from Oct. 14 to 30, while the awards night will be held on Oct. 30, Arceo added.

Preparations for the FAB Film Festival project started last August after AFAB partnered with BTN (Bataan Tayo Naman) Association and brainstormed for a platform that would elevate local cinema and promote cultural works that are both entertaining and meaningful.

Preparations for the FAB Film Festival project started last August after AFAB partnered with BTN (Bataan Tayo Naman) Association and brainstormed for a platform that would elevate local cinema and promote cultural works that are both entertaining and meaningful.

BTN, a homegrown media and arts group of creatives, media practitioners, academicians, and professionals, is also connected with the BTN POP project that promotes local original music and talents.

The 10 finalist films for the FAB festival are: “As If We Never Left,” directed by Marvin Rei Panes; “Daluyong” by Erwin Jericho Arceo; “Isang Kilo” by Jeyk Esperanza; “Kubli” by Billy Ray Oyanib; “Kwentong Multo” by Dexter Paul de Jesus; “Maiba Taya” by Emir Canlas; “Para sa Paborito Kong Putahe” by Erika Ann Bautista and Joshua Vince Tolentino; “Resume” by Michael Angelo Cervantes; “Tagahulo” by Lemmor Miguel Vitug; and “Tayo sa Dilim” by Satoru Ildefonso Corilla.

The grand prize winner in the competition will receive P100,000; the second-best film, P50,000, and the third prize winner, P25,000. Special award winners, meanwhile, will get P10,000 each, while consolation prize winners will take P5,000. 