Two student films from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of Communication have been officially selected for the 16th BINISAYA International Film Festival, marking another milestone for the university’s growing presence in the Philippine independent film scene.
“Ani” and “Where the Cave Ends” earned their spots in the festival after premiering in the All Tamaraws Division of Sinepiyu XVIII: DIWA “Mula sa Lente ng Katauhan” last May. Their selection adds to the expanding list of FEU student productions being showcased in film festivals beyond the university.
The 16th BINISAYA International Film Festival will be held in Cebu City from August 16 to 23, 2026, celebrating independent cinema and stories told beyond commercial conventions.
Both films will screen under the festival’s BINISAYA Horizons category, a section dedicated to non-Cebuano films from across the Philippines.
Written and directed by Ayessa Tan and produced by Braindead Kidz Productions, Ani is set in an alternate reality and follows a struggling farmer whose principles are tested after an influential trader manipulates him into turning against his fellow farmers.
The film was among the standout winners at Sinepiyu XVIII, taking home 3rd Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Supporting Actor for Vic Romano as Iko.
For Tan, the film’s selection is more than another festival achievement. She described the recognition as a deeply personal tribute to her mother, making the milestone especially meaningful for the entire team.
Meanwhile, Where the Cave Ends explores mystery and folklore through the story of Jim, a journalist portrayed by Andre Miguel, who ventures deep into a cave to investigate a local Babaylan believed to be responsible for the disappearance of a military colonel. As he uncovers the truth, Jim is confronted with revelations that challenge everything he believes.
The film is written and directed by Nix Vergara, produced by Precious Vargas under Sineninix, in collaboration with Shepherd Pictures, Salinsining, Project V Media, and P.tik Bulag Films.
Joining Miguel in the cast are Karl Medina as Natoy, Rachel Du as Leia, and MJ Managuelod, Serena Magiliw, and Jacq Nacu-Garcia as the Babaylan.
Founded in 2009 by a collective of Cebuano filmmakers, the BINISAYA International Film Festival has become an important platform for regional storytelling, meaningful dialogue, and independent cinema from the Philippines and around the world.
The selection of Ani and Where the Cave Ends underscores the growing recognition of FEU’s young filmmakers, whose works continue to bring fresh Filipino stories to audiences beyond the classroom and onto the national festival stage.
