MSU EdTech Film festival: As one of the strategies for learning

Prof. Precy Regalado and her students during the 3rd MSU EdTech Film Festival
photo by Farrah Princess Restuaro 

   Film is not only use as a medium for artistic expression and social action. The educators also use it as a medium for instruction. The College of Education in Mindanao State University-GenSan has this subject called Educational Technology (1 & 2). The class of Prof. Precy Regalado and Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday has this unique approach in dealing this subject. They use film as one of the learning tools for their students. 

   Three years ago, Prof. Regalado conceptualized the MSU EdTech film festival to showcase the creative outputs of her students. In its third year, the festival has its theme called “A tapestry of SOCSKSARGEN’s culture and beliefs”. Its objectives are to develop the talents and skills of students in filmmaking; and to promote the cultural values and beliefs of tri students in MSU. “The film activities that we have conducted will make my students globally competitive educators in the future,” Prof. Regalado says. The festival was held last March 15, 2015 at SM GenSan Trade Hall 2. As expected, it was successful and produced promising filmmakers in Region XII. 

   “This course focuses on the development of earning packages by utilizing the latest information and communications technologies in their design, production, and use in the instruction setting. It will expose the students to the multimedia applications in teaching and to alternative systems by making use of the MOLE, Computer-Based Instruction, online learning activities, Treasure Hunts and Web Quests, and the Intel Teach to the future pre-service curriculum as avenues for both teaching and learning.” 

   The festival has two categories – the short film category and short documentary. Nasser, a story of a lad who is torn between his education and familial obligation, won the coveted Best Film in short film category. While Abyan (Companion) won the Best Short Documentary not only in EdTech Film Festival but also in the 14th Kabantugan Awards. Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, the Director of Nasser and Farrah Princess Restauro, the Director of Abyan, are not timid to share their experiences in filming their first short films. 

Chiriath, the Director of Nasser, shares his experience in filmmaking. 

   The stories of both films were conceptualized during their brainstorming session with their group mates. “In our meeting we share stories. At first we have a story and presented it to Maam Diane, our consultant and Adviser, but she rejected it because it was a common one,” says Chiriath. “We meet again and think of a better story. Until one of my classmates shared about the story of his brother who had experience training in MILF camp. Maam Diane likes it and we pursue the story.” 

   “We have also brainstorming session with my group,” says Farrah. “We have a series of meeting to come up with the best story for our documentary. Until one of our classmates shared about his brother-in-law. We presented it to Maam Precy and she approved it.” 

   Just like other groups in their class, they have also contributed some amount to materialize the project. They have also asked for solicitations and sponsors to cover expenses. In the case of Chiriath, Barangay Pananag in Maasim Sarangani Province supported their project. Since most of their scenes were shot there, the barangay and its people extends their help to their group and provided logistical support. On the other hand, Farrah’s team has also received support from the people that they have collaborated. Through their participation and guidance they are able to make their documentary. 

   Nasser’s theme becomes apt in today’s peace process condition. The Mamasapano incident became their motivation to pursue their film project. “In our film, we want to share that war is not the solution to attain peace. As what Nasser, the protagonist of the film says – ‘War is not the solution to achieve peace, it’s better to be educated,’” Chiriath points out. 

   “One of our unforgettable experiences while filming Nasser was when the actor mistakenly identified as an army because he’s wearing a camouflage. We were really nervous that time because we are in the territory of the MILF. But we are thankful that the brother of my classmate was there to explain our purpose in the area,” Chiriath recounts. 

Farrah, the Director of Abyan, entrusted her faith in God to finish his first short film. 

   In the case of Abyan, faith is their reason why they make their documentary. “The cultural belief in superstition is embedded deeply into our culture that it’s difficult to unravel,” says Farrah. “Before we conduct our interview, we start with a prayer.” During the shoot, they felt the presence of the Abyan. For example, their DLSR camera would shut down for no particular reason. There’s one instance that their camera would easily overheat. Faith in God serves as their protection in making their project. “It needs faith to believe,” Farrah declares. 

   In shooting their first film, they have learned lessons that they would never forget. “We learn to be patient, to have perseverance, to give trust to each other and most especially to have faith in God. We never surrender despite the challenges we have encountered,” recounts Farrah. 

   “Through making our short film, we learned to listen to the ideas of our group mates. We learned that unity is the best option we have to make if we want to succeed in this project,” says Chiriath. 

   Their efforts were paid off when they won the top awards. Both of them did not expect the decision of the juries of the film festival. 

   “I’m not expecting that we’re going to win,” says Chiriath. “It’s an unexpected moment.” 

   “We did not expect that we would get the Best short documentary award,” says Farrah. “We are thankful that most of the audience during the event are happy and said that our film is unique.” 

   I admire their courage in pursuing their stories for their films. In the case of Nasser, their short film is one of the proactive ways in advocating peace in Mindanao. In the case of Abyan, I salute them for being brave in pursuing the story despite the supernatural incidents they have encountered. 

   “In spite of harsh criticisms you get, stand what you believe is right,” says Chiriath. “Share stories that have impact to the lives of the viewers.” 

   “We should give our best,” Farrah says. “We should never surrender in the challenges we encounter. We should have faith in Him.”

PRODUCTION TEAM of Nasser 

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof.Diane Mae Ulanday

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday

Production Staff

Name	Position
Marjorie Barrientos	Leader/ Technical Director
Farrah Princess Restauro	Director
Joderic Lebrita	Assistant-Director
Reena Mae Lustan	Director of Photography
Earl Precious Gem Neri	Asst. Director of Photography
Fetche Mae Benlot	Production Manager\ Asst. Art Director
Ria Bayato	Art Director
Queenie Aringa	Assistant Art Director
Shiny Osorio	Location Director
Shirly Joy Kiyugan	Assistant Location Director/ Secretary
Justine Deramon	Make-up Artist
Excel Grace Gamolo	Make-up Artist/ Food Committee
Jade Duran	Make-up Artist
Ariane Tambukong	Make-up Artist
Almira Yusop	Wardrobe/ Food Committee
Prexy Humang-it	Wardrobe
Kimverly Pabicon	Wardrobe/ Treasurer
Julie Ann Babao	Food Committee
Mary Barbie Ronulo	Food Committee
Belinda Domingo	Script Writer
Esther Pujol	Food Committee

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