Two Cordilleran Short Films, the “Salidumay” and “Dayas” were among the Filipino films officially selected for screening for its inclusion in the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM).
The 11th Milestone Year of IFFM offers a quality selection of world-class films that will be showcased in a theater in Manhattan New York City, USA to be held as a virtual event this year from October 14 to 17, 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic.
Participating countries also include the USA, Canada, Bulgaria, Estonia, India, Japan, Colombia, Spain, Germany, Macau, China, Russia, Italy, Myanmar, Tibet, Austria, and Switzerland.
IFFM encompasses categories with different genres of diverse programs, such as narrative features, documentaries, short films, and student films from all over the world.
‘Dayas’ is a Cultural-Drama short film created during the pandemic. It is dedicated to Ompong Victims of Itogon Benguet and Inspired by a true-to-life story of a Kankana-ey Igorot Miner, Benjamin Galletes.
It was also selected three times in international film festivals. It was first viewed at the Noble International Film Festival and Awards at India and First-Time Filmmaker Online Sessions in the United Kingdom.
The film is directed by a proud Cordilleran and Ilocana, Jennylyn De Los Santos Floresca. Through this film, the director and her team were also able to promote the culture and traditions of the Cordillera region and its people.
The famous ‘Carrot man’ Jeyrick Sigmaton of the Philippines plays the lead role of ‘Dayas’.
Meanwhile, Director Floresca, during her interview with PTV Cordillera, asked the public, especially the kailyans and the netizens, to support the film and the Cordilleran artists or talents.
She added that being part of the international film festival is overwhelming, and they are dedicated to the kailyans since it is her first ‘obra’ .
“We are knocking on your hearts na sana suportahan ang ‘Dayas’ dahil sa International Film Festival Mahattan, Kailangan ng views sa ating youtube teaser na iuupload ng Sining Cordillera, the more views the more recognition,” she announced.
'Salidumay', on the other hand, is another short film that features how courtship and marriage are performed in Cordilleran culture. It features "Ayo", a Tingguian from Abra with mix Ibaloi blood who goes on her first date with "Franz", a former seminarian who grew up in Abra but moved to Baguio City.
The differences between Ayo and Franz lead to a collision of expectations and perspectives, but amid the tension lies a glimmer of hope for the would-be couple.
The lead roles were given to Award-winning Igorota actress Mai Fanglayan and Mr. World Ambasador 2020 Finalist Kenneth Jhayve Bautista. The creative team members of Salidumay are all from Benguet Province.
Salidumay film is the 7th Film selection of Dexter Macaraeg, a director, filmmaker, and actor from Abra.
In an interview with PTV Cordillera, Macaraeg said the film officially selected in the IFFM after its World Premiere at the Cinemalaya 2021 in the nation's short section and Abrenian Heritage Film Festival, including the Roseana international film festival.
He also encouraged the public to watch and support the film.
International Film Festival-Manhattan Awards and Prizes
The films help local talents and film makers provide education and entertainment during this pandemic.
The IFFM will award the promo/trailer that gets the highest views on YouTube as the Most Popular Film. The counting of views starts on Sept. 20 until Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. New York time.
IFFM will give more than 20 award plaques, including Best Narrative Feature USA, Best Narrative Feature Global, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best Music Video, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Actor Short, Best Student Film, The Gerry Balasta Award for Best Advocacy, Most Popular Film and many more.
All Selected Professional Category Finalists will win either Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award Plaques and a Top Winner of the Professional Category will be honored as well.
Awards Night will be done online in October 2021.
1) All films must not be older than the year 2015.
2) It is encouraged that films be in English or else, Non-English-language films must have English subtitles.
3) IFFM New York will be screening online this year.
4) IFFM New York does not require World Premiere, but appreciates if you notify us if you are either a World Premiere, International Premiere (your first premiere outside your country of origin), North American Premiere, or New York Premiere.
5) Entry fees are in U.S. dollars and non-refundable.
Entries without entry fees will be disqualified. IFFM does not give fee waivers. Please refrain from emailing us about fee waivers. Thank you.
6) IFFM will be doing screenings online in 2021. Submitting filmmakers/individuals will be notified by e-mail and thru Film Freeway anytime in the year 2021.
7) IFFM accepts screening copy - mp4 via FilmFreeway, we transfer, downloadable via vimeo or Google drive.
8) Regarding our IFFM Film Festival Director Awards, a committee will be selecting nominated films, but the final awardees will eventually be selected by the International Film Festival Manhattan Film Festival Director. There will be an awards night where the awardees will be honored and IFFM Film Festival Director Award Certificates will be given out. All nominated films/filmmakers will be notified to attend the Awards Night.
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