Ten young filmmakers have been selected as finalists in the 5th edition of the Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival.

Each finalist will receive a P100,000 grant as funds to use in the production of their respective short films.

Sine Kabataan is a youth film competition organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) that provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to showcase their talents and develop their creativity and originality in storytelling while touching on important issues as perceived by their generation today.

The 20 shortlisted story concepts went through an intensive online Story Development Lab.

The filmmakers were given training on how to build the messaging and branding of their projects through the Pitching Lab. After the Sine Kabataan Pitching Showcase held last March 27, the Selection Committee composed of Director JP Habac, Producer Armi Cacanindin and FDCP Executive Director Ria Anne Rubia chose 10 finalists from the 20 projects.

The top 10 finalists underwent the Safe Filming Lab together with the CineIskool finalists last April 2.

The 10 Sine Kabataan finalists will undergo the Editing Lab before their final exhibition at FDCP’s banner project Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) 2022.

“In order for our young and aspiring filmmakers to flourish in this industry, we need to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to further develop their craft and provide the platform where they can share their projects.

“This is what Sine Kabataan is keen on providing through its platform and intensive film labs. This year, we are proud that the selected finalists chose to tackle relevant issues to the youth using their fresh perspectives. Congratulations to our young filmmakers, we hope that this experience will jumpstart their filmmaking journeys,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The 10 selected projects of the young filmmakers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao explore coming-of-age themes, social commentary, digital technology and environmental issues.

This year’s line-up also includes entries in animation, mixed media and mixed live formats.

The fifth edition of Sine Kabataan film labs and events will be held in a hybrid format.

The past two editions were held online and were screened for free on the FDCP Channel.

Sine Kabataan began solely as a film competition for young filmmakers. This is the second time that the Sine Kabataan included intensive lab sessions exclusively for the participants.