A student short film from Alaminos City, Pangasinan, is gaining recognition on the international stage, collecting awards at film festivals in the Philippines and abroad.
“Under the Table,” co-directed by student filmmakers Branden Josh Domingo and Gian Carlo Ducusin, recently won Best Short Film at the International Student Film & Screenwriting Festival 2026, presented in association with WILDsound Festival TV.
Produced through the Hundred Islands Film Festival (HIFF) FILMLAB, the film previously won Best International LGBTQIA+ Film at the Urbanite Arts and Film Festival in New York last August. It was also screened at the Duemila30 International Film Festival in Milan, Italy.
In the Philippines, “Under the Table” dominated the Senior High School Category of the CineMapúa Film Festival, winning Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Actor for lead performer Christopher “Cj” Cerezo Jr. It also received the Jury Prize at the Prime Series of the Sinemulat Film Festival in Lipa City, Batangas.
The film previously earned six major awards at the fifth HIFF Main Competing Category, including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Musical Score, and Best Actor for Cerezo.
Set against an uncompromising academic system and a backdrop of political dealings, “Under the Table” blends political thriller elements with a coming-of-age story. The narrative follows a troubled student who teams up with his tech-savvy classmate for a crucial school project on government transparency. Their investigation into local corruption uncovers concealed truths and an unspoken connection that develops as they confront the realities around them.
The film was produced by Flat Tire Production, a student filmmaking group from Alaminos City National High School. Its cast includes Cerezo, Vincent Abuan, Joco Jordan Manzano Conte, Marvin Damasco, Belen Lagunday Biazon, and Jonalie Caracas.
The production team includes cinematographer and editor Raine Audrei Rebualos; production manager Florence May Catalan; production designers Ruth Lanielle Gaspar, Nicole Ashley Balbalosa, and Sheika Kris Caballar; assistant director Cristian Jade E. Farnacio; camera operator Rouge RJ Cuevas; art director Sheannah Maurhaine Decano; sound designer Dan Mitchell Andrey; musical scorer Cristian Jade Farnacio; composer Karl Draizen; location manager Rome Lehcar Dela Cruz; technical assistants Rince Sydney Garcia, Izer Dhean, and Lorenz Tugade; and production assistants Rome Lechar Dela Cruz, Arquin Bautista, Ivee Chen, and Phoenix Pobletin.
The production received support from producer Dr. Raquel Rarang-Rivera and executive producers Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, the Local Government Unit of Alaminos City, the City Tourism Office, and the Alaminos City National High School Special Program for the Arts. Creative consultants and mentors included Zig Dulay, Carlo Enciso Catu, Carlo Gallen Obispo, Victor Kaiba Villanueva, Tim Rone Bagnas Villanueva, Joseph Sef Arcegono, Jerome Dulin, Ian Christopher Mauricio Cruz, and Jiwani Aquino.
Domingo, who is now studying film at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, said the project was inspired by questions about the normalization of corruption and dishonesty in society.
“I chose to write ‘Under the Table’ because I kept asking myself why corruption and dishonesty seem to have become so normalized in our society. But beyond systemic issues, the film touches on the things we keep hidden – unspoken feelings, compromised values, and the gradual emergence of voices that were once silenced. Being true to oneself, to others, and to society is a quiet yet powerful act of courage. My hope is that viewers will feel encouraged to question the status quo and learn to love boldly,” he said.
Domingo added that the film’s growing recognition has been rewarding, even though winning awards was not the team’s primary objective.
“When I started writing this, my main goal was simply to tell a story and give voice to those who are silenced. While awards are secondary, seeing everyone’s hard work recognized internationally is deeply fulfilling. This journey was made possible by the unwavering support of the Hundred Islands Film Festival, our mentors, local leaders, and the entire production team who worked through early call times and sleepless nights. Everything we achieve is for our community, for marginalized voices, and for Philippine cinema,” he added.
The film’s achievements highlight the role of community-based initiatives such as HIFF FILMLAB in nurturing emerging filmmakers. Guided by its community-centered vision, “Isang Komunidad na Namemelikula,” the program provides aspiring storytellers with hands-on mentorship from established Filipino filmmakers, helping them develop their projects from initial concepts to international screenings.
As “Under the Table” continues its festival run, its growing list of accolades demonstrates how young regional filmmakers can tackle corruption, identity, and marginalized voices through stories that resonate with audiences beyond their communities.
