04/04/2026
FROM CAMPUS TO NATIONAL STAGE: BFA CINEMA ALUMNI SWEEP SINAG MAYNILA 2026 ๐ฌโจ
CINEMATA is overflowing with pride! Our incredible Fine Arts alumni made a powerful mark at Sinag Maynila 2026 with the VisMin feature PINIKAS (Halved), taking home Best Film along with six other major awards. ๐
A huge congratulations to the technical and creative heart of the production:
โข Amaya Han (Producer) โ Winner, Best Film ๐
โข Jay Hernandez (Editor) โ Winner, Best Editing โ๏ธ
โข Neil Angelo Briones โ Nominee, Best Cinematography ๐ฅ
โข Pauline Olarte (BFA Advertising Arts) โ Nominee, Best Production Design ๐จ
PINIKAS also received awards for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, and Best Musical Score. The film was likewise nominated for Best Production Design and Best Sound.
We also recognize the dedicated BFA Cinema alumni who contributed to the filmโs production, whose passion fueled this six-year journey โค๏ธโ๐ฅ:
Jaylou Dari (Production Sound), Michael John Polinar (Assistant Camera), Mariya Lim (Subtitles), Christian Paul Naparota (Camera P.A., Underwater Camera), Basil Vergara (Production Assistant), Regie Vocales (Wardrobe Production Head), Christine Divinagracia (Digital Imaging Technician) and Diem Judilla (Creative Consultant).
About Sinag Maynila: Founded by acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza in partnership with Solar Pictures, the festival stands as one of the Philippinesโ premier platforms for bold and high-caliber independent storytelling.
To all current BFA Cinema students: this success started in the same campus and studios you learn in today! โจ