Student filmmakers from West Visayas State University recently bagged the grand prize in ForeSTAR ng Pasko: A Short Film Competition, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

“Handong” by Sine-Mariit of WVSU also won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography during the awarding ceremony held at the BGC Central Square Cinema.

DENR-FMB Executive Committee members led by Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting, FDCP Project Development Officer Gaby Velazco, judges Dr. Joselito Delos Reyes and Seymour Sanchez, and faculty and students from participating colleges and universities, graced the event.

“ForeSTAR continues to be one of our most meaningful initiatives because it gives students a platform to express their connection to nature and to share stories that inspire action for our forests,” Kabigting said in his welcome message.

“This competition reminds us that environmental stewardship can be expressed in many ways – and that storytelling is one of the most powerful. Through film, our young participants have shown us their perspectives, their hopes, and their commitment to protecting our forests for future generations,” Kabigting added.

ForeSTAR ng Pasko was a celebration of environmental advocacy and student creativity, proving that the best holiday stories are the ones rooted in nature. After screening films that placed forests at the heart of the Filipino Christmas spirit, major awards were handed out to the young filmmakers.

“Pamasko ng Gubat” by Commerkadas of Leyte Normal University was awarded second prize.

“Bisperas” by Lucky 8 Media Entertainment from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila took home the third prize trophy and the Best Poster award. 

“Monito” by Pelikulang Daluyong Productions of Laguna University got fourth place while “Paskong Nilala” by Beda.Comm of San Beda College-Alabang came in fifth.

The DENR-FMB’s partnership with FDCP marks a new chapter for the ForeSTAR competition. 

While past years focused on parol-making, on-the-spot banig-painting, bamboo belen-making, digital art, Christmas tree-making, fashion shows, and chorale competitions, the short film contest allowed students to explore the connections among forests, forest-dependent communities, and Filipino Christmas traditions on a grander scale.

“ForeSTAR opened a critical avenue for short films that mainly tackles the delicate balance of environment and our modern existence. It provides us with a panoramic window of talents presumably confined in urban-centric universities. I hope DENR-FMB ForeSTAR will continue to be a platform for budding filmmakers and communicators,” Delos Reyes shared.