UP Los Baños’ Pelikultura seeks Southern Tagalog short films

Filmmakers can submit entries until Aug. 31.

Pelikultura, the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ annual independent film festival in Calabarzon since 2010, is now accepting entries for its 15th edition.

The festival has two categories, ST Shorts Premiere and #BuhayElbi, which are open for submissions until Aug. 31.

ST Shorts Premiere is open to filmmakers who made a short film set in any part of the Southern Tagalog region.

#BuhayElbi is open to filmmakers based in Los Baños, Laguna, whose films focus on the municipality, its residents, history, culture, environment, and other local stories. Proof of residence in Los Baños is required.

Submitted films must have been completed after Dec. 31, 2025, run for up to 40 minutes, and be either live-action or animated. It may be any genre, including narrative, documentary, or experimental.

Films should be in their original language with English subtitles. Films that have already won in national or international competitions will not be accepted.

Filmmakers must also secure permission for any copyrighted or trademarked materials used in their films. Organizers said they will not consider entries containing unauthorized copyrighted or trademarked material.

Online submission of film screeners is preferred, although Vimeo or unlisted YouTube links may also be provided.

Selected filmmakers will be notified on or before Sept. 30. Their entries will be programmed for onsite screenings at UP Los Baños and outreach screenings around Calabarzon from Oct. 25 to Nov. 12.

Pelikultura said it will not offer payment for the exhibition rights of selected films, although films may also be considered for programming in other festivals such as Cinema Rehiyon.

Winners will be announced during the culminating ceremony on Nov. 12 at UP Los Baños. The ST Shorts Premiere best film will receive ₱20,000 and a trophy designed by a local artist, while the #BuhayElbi winner will receive ₱10,000.

Special awards may also be given for Jury Prize, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Performance, and Audience Choice, with winners receiving certificates.

More information is available on the Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Festival Facebook page.

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