University opens 8th Cinemagis film fest: ‘Lucid,’ ‘Senyas’ lead nominations

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By Stephen Pedroza (XUComm)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Among the official entries from all over Northern Mindanao, “Lucid” by Cloyd Winstanley in the senior category and “Senyas” by Kenneth Sabijon in the student set have secured nine nominations each in the 8th Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival.

The nominees were unveiled during the opening ceremony at the XU Little Theater held Wednesday night.

“Lucid” follows the story of the protagonist named Phillip who grapples between the realms of reality and fantasy, while “Senyas” tells the story of Kagay-anons ravaged by the wrath of TS Sendong in December 2011.

After the presentation of nominees, this year’s film feature “Ang Nerseri” (The Nursery) by Victor Acedillo of Camiguin was shown to the audience, composed of professional and budding filmmakers, Cinemagis judges, XU faculty members, students and guests.

With screenings running until Jan 23 at the XU Little Theater and SM Cagayan de Oro Cinema 3, the eighth installment of Cinemagis presents three professional entries, ten student films, five Pi-length entries and the past films of Joe Bacus and Clark Cabantan.

Under the banner of Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA), Cinemagis serves as a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talents, skills and stories, contributing to the development of the filmmaking industry in Northern Mindanao. Since its inception in 2009, a number of films have already gone on to national independent film festivals and even to the international stage.

The members of the judging panel are Cinemalaya 2009 Best Screenplay Awardee and “Ang Nerseri” director Victor Acedillo of Camiguin; theater actor and director from Pagadian City Felimon Blanco; and Davaoeño filmmaker, musician and production sound mixer Arbi Barbarona, who will determine this year’s winners in their deliberation on Saturday morning.

The awards night will be held at SM City Event Center on Jan 23.