Two student film projects from Far Eastern University Department of Communication have been selected as finalists in this year’s 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video or Gawad Alternatibo. “Ibong Yabi” and “Kahel” represent two distinct styles, spanning compelling documentary storytelling and inventive musical narratives.
Directed by Mark Jomil Reyes, “Ibong Yabi” is a short documentary that delves into the lived realities of Mangyan Alangan women who assume the role of primary breadwinners for their households. Through the personal narratives of Lybelyn and Diana, the film exposes the systemic hurdles and restricted economic avenues available to the community.
The documentary covers their daily survival strategies, ranging from traditional “kaingin” farming and crafting “walis tingting” to taking on irregular manual labor. Ultimately, the film serves as a testament to empowerment, highlighting the strength and aspirations of Mangyan women.
Before its selection for Gawad Alternatibo’s Documentary Category, “Ibong Yabi” earned Jarvey Abutan the Best Sound award in FEU DepComm’s Tam DokyuFest 2026 for constructing immersive soundscapes that enhanced the depiction of the Mangyan community’s daily life.
Meanwhile, “Kahel” is a 20-minute musical short film directed by Garnet Morilla Llames and produced under the Kuwerdas production house. The narrative follows Elias, an ordinary worker who walks away from a standard 9-to-5 job to pursue his musical aspirations in the city. His journey takes an unexpected turn when a sudden jeepney breakdown strands him alongside his longtime musical idol.
The film’s transition to Gawad Alternatibo’s Narrative Category follows a dominant performance at Sinepiyu XVIII, FEU’s annual student film festival organized by the FEU Film Society. “Kahel” captured Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score in the All Tamaraws Division of Sinepiyu. It also won the Gawad Bathala Best Film at the Tamaraw Media Awards.
Reflecting on the project’s resonance, Llames noted that the film acts as an emotional anchor for creative individuals torn between practical career paths and their artistic passions.
Llames, who also forms half of the indie-pop duo Justin + Garnet, shared that “Kahel is a musical short film about chasing dreams.” He dedicated the film “for the dreamers who keep going no matter how hard it gets.”
The achievements of both productions highlight the training within the university’s communication program. “Ibong Yabi” was developed in the Documentary Production class of media practitioner Julius Segovia while “Kahel” was a final project in the Directing and Film Production class of filmmaker and educator Seymour Sanchez.
Both “Ibong Yabi” and “Kahel” will now showcase their narratives on a broader national stage as they compete in the upcoming Gawad Alternatibo, which runs from August 7 to 16 at the Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza and Gateway Cineplex 18.
