Bacolod-based filmmaker Vincent Joseph Entuna has brought pride to Western Visayas after bagging the Best Director Award at the prestigious Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival 2025 for his critically acclaimed short film “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair).

The award highlights Entuna’s growing impact on Philippine regional cinema and his commitment to telling stories of truth, resistance, and human rights.

A Powerful Story Set in the Martial Law Era

“Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” is a short period film that unfolds during the Martial Law in the Philippines. It centers on Teopisto, a humble barber, and his nephew Carlos, as they confront the gradual erosion of freedom in their community.

The small barbershop becomes a silent witness to the growing unrest, serving as a symbolic microcosm of Philippine society during the dictatorship.

As Carlos becomes involved in the resistance movement, Teopisto must choose between silence and action. This character arc mirrors the struggles of countless Filipinos who lived through the regime.

What sets the film apart is its unique storytelling technique: it’s shot using a single locked camera angle, praised by critics for its restraint, symbolism, and cinematic precision. This approach mirrors the themes of control, surveillance, and silence under oppressive rule.

Honoring the Victims of Escalante Massacre

In his acceptance speech, Entuna dedicated the award to the victims of the Escalante massacre, a tragic event remembered every September 20 in Negros Occidental.

“This film is for those who were silenced by history,” Entuna said. “Art has the power to resist, and storytelling must not only entertain but also bear witness.”

The Escalante Massacre remains one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, and Entuna’s film pays tribute to those whose voices were erased but not forgotten.

A Season of Wins for Entuna and His Film

This latest recognition is the third Best Director win for Entuna. “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” earlier dominated the Bacolod Film Festival 2024, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, along with a Best Musical Score nomination.

The filmmaker also won Best Director at the Pangasinan Film Festival earlier this year. The film continues to gain attention with nominations at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 and the Hundred Islands Film Festival 2025.

Producer Benj Ramos and festival coordinator Kristin Bactad-Jor joined Entuna during the awarding ceremony in Quezon City to celebrate the film’s success.

About Active Vista: A Platform for Human Rights Cinema

The Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival, organized by DAKILA, is one of the country’s most respected platforms for socially relevant cinema. It champions films that defend human dignity, promote freedom, and spark conversations on democracy and justice.

Every year, the festival gathers storytellers, activists, and audiences who believe in the transformative power of art to inspire change.