By Glaiza Salanio

On Friday, May 17, the Ateneo Film Organization (AFO) organized “Time to Pretend: The AFO Interschool Film Festival 2024,” which sought to develop the skills of young filmmakers through talks, workshop sessions, and a film viewing at the second-floor Formation Learning Center.

With this year’s theme, “Time to Pretend,” the AFO highlighted the importance of imagination, encouraging everyone to step into different perspectives, suspend disbelief, and explore other realms.

“When we were thinking about the theme, we first thought about what film meant to us…It was a way for us to step into another reality, to have a break from reality, and to have alternate personas beyond our own,” AFO Head Yoanna Emralino stated in an interview.

The program started with an opening speech about the film industry by Mae Cruz-Alviar, a renowned and award-winning director of Filipino films and series, such as Rewind, Crazy Beautiful You, Catch Me, I’m In Love, Maalala Mo Kaya, and Can’t Buy Me Love.

“When we are choosing our career, we choose what we love,” she said in her talk.

In an interview, Direk Mae also talked about the power of film to influence people for the next generation of filmmakers.

“Just remind them that they have a responsibility as filmmakers, and also that there is a higher purpose in film in doing this as a storyteller because you have the responsibility for your audience; do this as your purpose; do this as your vocation,” she shared.

Aspiring filmmakers

Students from Ateneo Senior High School, The Meridian International Learning Experience, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Senior High School, and Southville International School and Colleges attended the film festival.

“Films can influence others and inspire them. It can make or break a person, and usually it inspires them to build themselves up and improve themselves,” Gabrielle Hermosilla from Southville International School and Colleges shared.

“I admire the people who take part in film because they become a part of making and creating productions that inspire others,” she added.

The students attended workshops with filmmaking professionals, including Mr. Antonio Cayabyab for the screenplay workshop, Mr. Jay Halili for the film editing workshop, and Mr. Louise Aguilar for the cinematography workshop.

In addition, awards were also presented to John Benedict Maxino from Bawat Piyesa for Best Actor Performance, Martin Kim from Reverie for Best Screenplay, David Jed Gutierrez and Martin Kim from The Last Supper for Best Film Editing, Cloyde Godoy from Dila sa Gaba for Best Cinematography, Martin Kim from The Last Supper for Best Director, and The Last Supper for Best Picture.

Lastly, a film viewing of the movie entries was conducted, showcasing the works of the young filmmakers.