“You just have to persevere. There's no shortcut to success. You need to work hard for it, definitely, there will be a result. For as long as, you'll never give up.”
These were emphasized by Vince Visiete from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM) on being the Best Director and the filmmaker whose film seized the Best Editing, Best Storyline, and Best Screenplay, and this year's Best Gender and Development (GAD) Film, ‘Tara, Fun!’.
© John Ross Sambanan
Despite his entries in 2022 and 2023 falling short of podium finishes, Visiete remained undeterred. Through persistence, growth, and learning from his past experiences, he led CNSM to triumph this year, securing multiple awards.
More than just a film
Visiete shared that the focus of their film—hook-up culture—sheds light on one of the main causes behind the rise in HIV and AIDS cases, particularly in General Santos City, where infection rates are notably high.
He stressed that this culture is a significant factor contributing to the growing numbers.
“So I think that it's more than just a film, it's more than just a documentary film, but a wake-up call to everyone to be responsible related to their sexual health. And I think that it's high time for us that these kinds of topics that are regarded as taboo should be discussed,” the director expressed in addressing the issue and a hope that his film would resonate with viewers and contribute to raising awareness.
Monlouie M. Sorzano, Director of the University Press and Communications Office (UPCO) and Head of the GAD Film Festival, emphasized that the GAD Film Festival has been a platform for student filmmakers from various colleges to use their skills to promote gender and development. He believes that public screenings of these films can inspire discussions and greater student engagement with these issues. He also pointed out that the 2024 Intramurals theme focused on peace, and this year’s festival integrated peace with gender and development, showing how these two topics are interconnected.
“These films, when screened publicly, can open discourses and empower students to engage more with these issues," Sorzano said last October 11 during the GAD Film Fest Public Screening.
Reflecting on his journey, Visiete added, “It felt so surreal because, again, I am not into documentary filmmaking. But you know, it's a testament that if you really love your craft, then you could definitely expand. And when you are trying to rise from all of the failures that you have been through, then surely, fate will never be, you know, hindi siya madamot to reward those who are really pursuing.”
In addition to CNSM’s success, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities’ Lawas ng Kambas claimed the silver, winning Best Poster and Best Cinematography, while the College of Agriculture’s Head Turner secured the bronze.
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