A science fiction short film from Negros Occidental is set to make its international premiere in Italy after being selected to compete in the short feature section of the 5th Sognielettrici | Electricdreams International Film Festival in Milan.
Produced by Kwentista Produksyon, “Those Little Things” will compete for awards at the festival, which runs from October 26 to 30 at Università IULM. The five-day event celebrates speculative fiction, science fiction, and fantastic cinema, using imaginative worlds to explore human experiences and real-world concerns.
Co-directed and co-produced by Poli Gonzales and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa, the film takes viewers to a cyberpunk-inspired version of Bacolod City in the year 2222. Gonzales also supervised the visual effects, while Gonzales-Gamboa wrote the screenplay.
The story follows Lara (Ynez Arceo), a teenager who goes through what appears to be an ordinary day with her father, Tatay (Bon Cerbo). John Arceo also appears in the film, portraying different characters.
Behind its futuristic setting and high-tech visuals, “Those Little Things” tells a grounded story about family, the warmth of everyday moments, and the bond between a father and daughter, leading to an unexpected revelation.
The production team includes co-producer Georgia Mari Elardo, director of photography Paolo Correa, associate producer and production designer Kathryn Tecson-Baynosa, sound designer Rolf Baynosa, musical scorers Laurens Uberas and Baynosa, and editor Ninya Duleton.
The visual effects team comprises Enrique Raul Varon, Donna Fe Marfito, Michael Bryan Bello, Timothy Franz Gelvoligaya, Bon Andy Padilla, and Joshua Wayco. The crew also includes assistant cameraman Kenth John Ferrer Dondonayo, assistant director Aireianne Margaret Ordinario, production manager Dani Algara, art director Luigi De Guzman, prop crafter Clinton Puerta, set dresser Hervinell Pahila, production set assistant Luigi Maghari, setman Alihap Serenas Herbs, food stylist Denzel Perez, wardrobe coordinator Leaden Rubica, hair and makeup artist Carlos Durana Jr., and assistant Cookz M. Compao.
Other members of the team are key grip Jofel Ramos, lighting crew members Angelo Tubongbanua and Lourd Tormis, gaffer Enrique Raul Varon, best boy Carlos Adrian Liza, logistics head Bello, production assistants Marfito and Antonio Ongque, behind-the-scenes photographer and videographer Hernan Bes Baldevia, and utility boy Renald Padriquel.
Before its Italian festival appearance, “Those Little Things” screened at the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival as part of the FRAMES Filipino Short Film Exhibition. It is also scheduled to compete in the Lumayagan Shorts Competition at the 6th Oroquieta Film Festival in Misamis Occidental from October 12 to 14.
Electricdreams offers free admission to its film screenings, masterclasses, and academic panels at Università IULM 6 Open Space, including Sala dei 146 and the Auditorium.
By bringing a distinctly Filipino family story into a futuristic setting, “Those Little Things” showcases how regional filmmaking can connect local experiences with international audiences through science fiction.
