Films that remind us of the nostalgia of homecoming were presented during the closing ceremony of Sine Reel 2024: "Every story is a homecoming," last December 16, 2024. As strong waves of the familiar comfort of a home hit the tranquil shores of our hearts and minds, we celebrate the films our 4th-year Communication Arts students created for their hard work and perseverance. It was an exhibition of their talents and, most notably, their passion for telling stories through filmmaking. Not only was it a showcase of skills, but it was a celebration of art and life.
The Communication Arts Students' Association (CASA) opened the annual interclass competition last December 9, 2024, and presented its nominations for the categories to be awarded to the hopeful production houses that participated in the film festival. Earlier Monday, a screening of the films was presented to the audience before the awards ceremony. The College of Education auditorium was brimming with cheers and laughter as audiences witnessed the creativity and passion of every production house. There was not a single dull moment in the event as a diverse collection of films was screened, presenting different genres that were used to enhance their story-telling skills.
However, similar to all good things, it must come to an end. As the event reached its final scenes, the most anticipated part of the event arrived — the awarding ceremony.
Among the crowd of enjoying film watchers are Julius Renomeron Jr. and Meg Diaz, the present juries among the 4 judges for the competition. Similar to the event's theme, it was also a homecoming for them as they returned to their alma mater to present the awards, together with Prof. Nico Rafael Fernandez, to the production houses that shined in different categories.
As the awarding began, breaths were held and hearts were pounding as their ears eagerly waited for the sweet sound of their production house's name being called and awarded.
"Maria, Ina ng Diyos" of Cineasta garnered most of the awards for Sine Reel 2024, bagging a whopping 7 awards for the categories of Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Musical Score, Best Sound, and Best One Sheet. The production house also sported the award for Best Actress with its recipient, Angela Salga.
"Mama na si Maggie?!" of Outcasts Pictures won 2nd Best Picture, Special Jury Citation, and People's Choice Award.
"Almira!" of At The Back Productions was the event's second most awarded production house. Winning 3rd Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Trailer, and Special Jury Prize
"Sundo" of Veinticinco Tales made Roznel Destajo the recipient of the Best Actor award.
As the film reels of the event are slowly running out, it captures the moments of shared joy and triumph among the production houses as they enjoy the fruits of their labor. Winners or not, they are united and equal as they share one advocacy of telling truths and stories by being the voice behind the lenses. Similar to this year's Sine Reel theme, the 4th year Communication Arts students can expect a place to call their home and return to as they remember the films they made for Sine Reel 2024, ever waiting for them in their memories and hearts.
