Three student short films from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of Communication have been selected for the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) 2nd Film Education Convention (FilmEC), giving young Filipino filmmakers another opportunity to showcase their work to educators, students, and film industry professionals.
The two-day Film Education Convention 2026 is being held from September 25 to 26, 2026, at De La Salle University Manila’s Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building along Taft Avenue. The event is part of the Philippine Film Industry Month 2026 celebration and brings together film educators, student filmmakers, and industry practitioners through screenings, discussions, lectures, and industry sessions.
Representing FEU in FilmEC’s Spotlight on Student Shorts program are the short films “Where the Cave Ends,” “Kahel,” and “Ani.”
FEU’s “Where the Cave Ends” Opens the Student Film Showcase
Directed by Nix Vergara, “Where the Cave Ends” is produced by Sineninix together with Shepherd Pictures, Salinsining, Project V Media, and P.tik Bulag Films.
The film follows Jim, played by Andre Miguel, a journalist who travels deep into a cave to uncover the truth surrounding a local Babaylan who has been accused of causing the disappearance of a military colonel.
The FEU short film previously represented the university at the 16th Binisaya International Film Festival in Cebu and is also set to compete at the Sine Sampaloc Film Festival 2026 in Quezon Province.
“Where the Cave Ends” will be among the student films screened during the September 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. showcase at Room A1403 on the 14th floor of the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building.
“Kahel” Brings Music and Youthful Ambition to FilmEC
Also featured in the FilmEC student showcase is “Kahel,” a musical short film directed by Garnet Morilla Llames and produced by the team Kuwerdas.
The film centers on Elias, portrayed by Justin Abalos, a 9-to-5 employee who decides to leave his job to pursue his passion for music in the city. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he becomes stranded inside a broken-down jeepney with his musical idol, played by Brylle Parzuelo.
“Kahel” earned several major awards at FEU’s Sinepiyu XVIII, including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score.
The film was also selected as a finalist at the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines Gawad Alternatibo and the FAMAS Short Film Festival. It was recently screened at the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival in Alaminos, Pangasinan, and Cinemagis 16: Northern Mindanao Short Film Festival at Xavier University Little Theater in Cagayan de Oro City through the CCP Lakbay Sine program.
“Ani” Explores Agriculture, Inequality, and Survival
The third FEU film selected for the convention is “Ani,” directed by Ayessa Chloe Tan.
Set in an alternate reality affected by climate change and severe grain shortages, the film follows Noli, played by Karl Medina, a farmer who joins a high-stakes harvesting competition organized by a wealthy trader. Noli hopes to win enough money to pay for his wife’s medical expenses.
Through its story, “Ani” tackles issues involving systemic corruption, agricultural workers, food insecurity, and social inequality.
The film won Best Film in the Binisaya Horizons category at the 16th Binisaya International Film Festival. It also received 3rd Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Vic Romano at FEU’s Sinepiyu XVIII.
“Ani” will be screened on September 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Room A1403 as part of the FilmEC student showcases.
FDCP Film Education Convention Highlights Filipino Student Filmmakers
Organized by the FDCP Academic Film Society in partnership with De La Salle University Manila, FilmEC aims to provide a platform for student filmmakers while encouraging conversations about film education and the Philippine film industry.
Aside from student film screenings, the Film Education Convention 2026 features roundtable and panel discussions, lectures, and talkback sessions. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee is among the industry figures leading discussions during the convention.
The selection of “Where the Cave Ends,” “Kahel,” and “Ani” highlights the growing creative work of Filipino student filmmakers and provides FEU’s young filmmakers with an opportunity to present their stories to a wider film and academic community.
The 2nd Film Education Convention is part of the Philippine Film Industry Month 2026 and takes place on September 25–26 at De La Salle University Manila.
