Stories of rural communities, the people who cultivate the land, and the aspirations rooted in their everyday lives took center stage as Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) student filmmakers earned multiple recognitions at the 2026 Regional Film Festival and Awarding Ceremony of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Luzon.Through their film entries, Paruparong Bukid and Isang Dakot na Lupa, WUP demonstrated the power of student filmmaking in bringing agrarian reform stories closer to the public, securing distinctions in several creative categories under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) divisions.

In the ARB category, Paruparong Bukid received recognition for Best Film Poster and Best Film Teaser. It also earned nominations for Best Director (John Owzni Austria and Carl Einre Tumibay), Best Actress (Zaira Sison), Best Actor (Aivan Rafael Wy), Best Editing (Rein Manuel), Best Screenplay (John Owzni Austria), Best Cinematography (John Owzni Austria and Aaron Cabrera), and Best Production Design (Carl Einre Tumibay), highlighting the students’ creative approach to presenting their film and capturing audience interest through visual storytelling.

Meanwhile, WUP’s Isang Dakot na Lupa secured second Best Film in the ARBO category, marking the University’s achievement in the festival’s major film competition. The entry also received awards for Best Film Poster and Best Film Teaser, earning recognition for its promotional and visual presentation. The entry also received nominations for Best Director and Best Actor (John Owzni Austria), Best Screenplay (Carl Einre Tumibay), Best Cinematography (Angel Meijia), Best Editing (Rein Ivan Manuel), and Best Production Design (Glaiza Munar).

The productions were brought to life through the collaborative efforts of the Teatrong Laan para sa Obra (TELON), WUP’s official theater guild, and BA Communication students, particularly in the film editing process. Their combined efforts contributed to the development and presentation of the two entries, showcasing the value of collaboration across creative disciplines.

WUP’s latest achievement builds on its participation in the previous edition of the competition, where the university secured 3rd place in the ARBO Category and Best Cinematography in the ARB Category. Returning to the regional festival this year, WUP continues to demonstrate its students’ creative capabilities, earning multiple recognitions across the ARB and ARBO categories and securing second Best Film for Isang Dakot na Lupa.

The festival brought together student filmmakers from universities across Central Luzon to present stories reflecting the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) and ARBO.

Among the recognized entries in the ARB Category were Aurora State College of Technology’s (ASCOT) Tubo, which secured Best Film. Tarlac State University’s Sandigan claimed Best Film in the ARBO category.

Entries from ASCOT, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), TSU, and WUP also received distinctions in various categories.

The awarding ceremony was held on October 29, 2026, at the newly inaugurated DAR Regional Office III building, with officials and representatives from the department, participating universities, and student filmmakers in attendance. The gathering was led by DAR Regional Director Atty. Eric Francis G. Luna, alongside other regional officials and representatives.

More than a showcase of filmmaking skills, Pelikulagraryo 2026 provided a platform for young storytellers to bring attention to the realities of agrarian communities. By translating the experiences of farmers and beneficiary organizations into films, the participants helped communicate the significance of agrarian reform beyond policies and programs.

WUP’s achievements reflected the University’s continuous efforts to develop creative students who recognize the value of storytelling as a means of social awareness and engagement. Through their work, its student filmmakers demonstrated that cinema could serve not only as an artistic expression but also as a platform for amplifying community experiences and stories that deserve to be heard.

Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Photo Courtesy of TELON