Likhang Mulat Film Movements Festival 2023 awarded Martial Law-centered short film ‘Revise’ as Best Short Film reflecting the forced dismissal of history last December 13 at the University Conference Center.  

The winning short film also bagged Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Film Poster in the Gabi ng Parangal.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, CineSining Production Director Earl Justimbaste explained his vision as a filmmaker.

“Ino-offer ko ‘to [Revise] sa lahat ng namulat na dating apologist (I offer this to all enlightened former apologists),” he shared. 

Justimbaste stressed on the reality of uncertainties as  society progresses into the remaining years under the current administration.

“I think this is the time para i-amplify ‘yung voices natin … Tayong kabataan ‘yung magsu-suffer dahil sa maling choice ng ibang tao (I think this is the time to amplify our voices … We, the youth, will suffer because of other people’s wrong choice), ” he added.

‘Revise’ follows a story of Maura, a slain journalist during the Martial Law era, who reincarnated in the present, suffering from the horrors in both periods.

“Ang hindi matututo sa kasaysayan ay mamamatay sa bangungot ng nakaraan (A person who does not learn from history will die from the nightmares of the past),” Justimbaste quotes a line from his work.

Rowena: The Red Ranger by Sine Canor Productions followed as Second Best Short Film and won Best Music.

Batang Morayta Productions’ See You Outside claimed the iDEFEND’s CHOICE, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Actor.

The event awarded Stephen Dela Peña of Isip, Bata Productions as Best Director with his film Dumula ng Isa, Dalawa, Tatlo… also clinching Special Jury Mention.

Meanwhile, other awards were given to Basta Gabi Production’s See Through for Best Cinematography, while FEU Cavite’s Layon Production’s Sayaw, Nene for  Best Actress, Aklas Production’s Sa Mata ng mga Taong Tuwid for Audience Choice Award, and Kween of the Night by Dekada '90 Films and Kwatro Kantos Production for Best Film Teaser.

The 13 film finalists are available to watch for free via Cinemata starting yesterday, December 13 until 22.

Moreover, exactly three years after the first installment of Mulat in 2019, Department of Communication (DepComm) Chair Herwin Cabasal announced the official rebranding of Likhang Mulat into FEU Film Movements Festival.

The relaunching will highlight FEU as the home institution of the festival in utilizing cinema as a movement for social advocacy and human rights education.

This year is the fifth installment of Mulat, spearheaded by DepComm.

Second year BA Communication students annually participate in the Likhang Mulat Film Movements Festival in commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

- Mark Vincent A. Durano

(Photo by FEU Advocate/Gwyneth Mendoza