Fresh off a dominant run in the student film circuit, Far Eastern University’s award-winning musical short Kahel continues its nationwide tour with a featured screening in Pangasinan. Produced by FEU student production team Kuwerdas, the acclaimed 20-minute film will screen on September 5, 2026, at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center as part of the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival in Alaminos City. The screening is brought to local audiences through the Cultural Center of the Philippines Lakbay Sine program—an outreach initiative dedicated to expanding the reach of Philippine cinema to regional communities—following the film’s recognition as a finalist at the 38th CCP Gawad Alternatibo.
Directed by Garnet Morilla Llames, who also performs in the indie-pop duo Justin + Garnet, Kahel follows the story of Elias, played by Justin Abalos, a standard office worker who leaves behind his 9-to-5 job to chase his musical ambitions in the city. His journey hits an unexpected crossroads when a sudden jeepney breakdown strands him alongside his longtime musical hero, played by Brylle Parzuelo. For Llames, bringing the film to new audiences reflects the core mission behind its creation. He shared that the film is dedicated to dreamers who keep going despite the odds, comparing the filmmaking process to raising a child and setting it free to inspire those who are tired or losing hope.
Before reaching Alaminos City, Kahel built an impressive record of critical acclaim across student film festivals. The short film swept Sinepiyu XVIII, FEU’s annual student film showcase, winning Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Music/Score in the All Tamaraws Division. It was further honored with the Gawad Bathala Best Film award at the Tamaraw Media Awards.
The production was brought to life by a full student creative team from Kuwerdas, including producer and production manager Joharra Embalzado, line producer Rafael Beltran, cinematographer and editor Regine Mae Manuel, musical director and screenwriter Justin Niccolo Mariano, co-writer and script continuity supervisor Sai Salazar, second assistant director Rayanne Kabigting, production designer Irish Jundaye Macatangay, location manager and camera operator Ritch Matias, and sound recordist and boom operator Franz Juanillo.
The upcoming screening aligns seamlessly with the mission of the 6th Hundred Islands Film Festival, which utilizes film education, regional storytelling, and youth empowerment to celebrate local culture and support emerging artists. Festival attendees at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center will have the opportunity to experience this story of creative perseverance as part of HIFF 2026’s full day of programming on September 5.
