SINE KABATAAN CELEBRATES THE NEXT GENERATION OF STORYTELLERS

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) proudly announces the Top 10 finalists of the 9th edition of the Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival.

Sine Kabataan is FDCP’s support program dedicated to young filmmakers eager to begin their filmmaking journey, providing production grants and opportunities to showcase their work on the big screen. 

Here are the Top 10 finalists of Sine Kabataan 2026: 
 

• A Dead Man’s Genesis, directed by Cyra Dematawaran 
• Asa Mutugpa ang Pag Lupad-Lupad (Where the Drifting Flight Comes to Rest), directed by Emmanuel Pamaylaon 
• Bato’ng Bunga (Stone Fruit), directed by Elj Seth Tababa 
• Hindi Pa Nag-Aagahan si Tau, directed by Janno Pelias 
• Ikalulunod Ko Ba Ang Paglangoy, directed by Lawrence Balingasa 
• Inday's Ark, directed by Alex Loygos 
• Kurita (Octopus), directed by Zechri Jacob Alvarez 
• Piyesa, directed by Ryand Angelo Ugalde 
• Titser, Titser!, directed by Franchesca Grace Pagatpat 
• Yada na ta Busag nga Vannn! (Here Comes the Vannn), directed by Giomer Gulferic
   

Each selected project will receive a ₱200,000 production grant to support the production of its short film, culminating in its premiere at the Sine Kabataan Festival, where the works will be showcased on the big screen. 

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) extends its congratulations to the young filmmakers and looks forward to seeing their visions come to life. 

Here’s to the next generation of filmmakers!

To learn more about Sine Kabataan, visit: fdcp.ph/sinekabataan

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