TWO FILMS involving UST alumni won awards at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival awards night on Aug. 17 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong.
Management accounting alumna Mae Chan Li won the Special Jury Prize for her short film “Para-Paraan (Finding a Way Through),” which depicts the everyday struggles of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The documentary follows para powerlifter Kat (Katrina Marie Hernandez) as she navigates daily life and the urban infrastructure barriers faced by PWDs, underscoring the need for more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Recognized for its “piercing look into the physical and systemic barriers of urban life,” the short film challenges audiences to rethink accessibility, inclusion and the ordinary spaces around them.
“Itong balanghai [Cinemalaya award] na ito ay magiging inspirasyon po namin para gumawa pa po ng mas maraming kuwento tungkol sa mga lived experiences, not just for people with disabilities, but ng bawat Pilipino,” Li said in her acceptance speech.
(This Balanghai award will inspire us to create more stories about lived experiences, not just of people with disabilities, but of every Filipino.)
As the documentary’s central figure, Hernandez said the short film was also an act of advocacy, affirming that people have the right to live purposeful lives regardless of disability.
“Para ito sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong may kapansanan man o wala; na naghahanap-hanap ng mga para-paraan para lang mamuhay,” Hernandez said.
(This is for all Filipinos, with or without disabilities, who keep finding ways just to live.)
“Para-Paraan” was also cited for its economical yet pointed political commentary and its advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities.
In just 10 minutes, the film exposes the daily hurdles PWDs face in trying to live independently in an inaccessible urban environment.
Thomasian production designer and communication alumna Katrish Aristoki won Best Production Design for “Mag-iina (Mothering),” directed by Giancarlo Abrahan.
Aristoki was recognized for her immersive art direction, which created a haunting and grotesque visual world that mirrored the story and the characters’ dynamics.
“Palakpakan po natin lahat ng production designers ng lahat ng pelikula… maraming salamat kasi binubuhay niyo ‘yong production design,” Aristoki said in her acceptance speech.
(Let us applaud all the production designers of the films… Thank you for keeping production design alive.)
Cinemalaya 2026, the 22nd edition of the independent film festival, ran from Aug. 6 to 18. Rhamiel Mae T. Vicente
