National University Pioneers the First School Film Festival Honoring Teachers: Liwanag CineKwento 2025
National University Pioneers the First School Film Festival Honoring Teachers: Liwanag CineKwento 2025
SINEGANG.ph published this press release shared by National University. No staff writer participated in writing this article.
In celebration of its 125th founding anniversary, National University (NU) spotlighted the unsung heroes of every student’s story—teachers— through the inaugural Liwanag 2025: CineKwento Film Festival.
Launched on September 12, 2025, and culminating in an awarding ceremony at the NU Manila Multipurpose Hall on October 28, 2025, the festival marked the beginning of an annual tradition dedicated to storytelling that uplifts and inspires.
Open to NU students across all 14 campuses, Liwanag CineKwento became a stage for NU student filmmakers to tell stories of gratitude and resilience—short films grounded in truth and emotion. Each submission was an original, unpublished, non-fiction short film running no longer than 20 minutes.
This year’s nine finalists showcased exceptional storytelling and filmmaking across campuses:
• Five of Roses Productions – NU Nazareth School
• Lila Production – NU Clark
• Doubletake Production – NU Fairview
• Kreatibo Production – NU Fairview SHS
• ANES Production – NU MOA
• The Eastside College Production – NU East Ortigas
• Sidlak Production – NU Dasmariñas
• YC Production – NU East Ortigas
• Tala Production – NU Laguna SHS
The judging panel brought together accomplished figures in the industry:
• Mr. John Carlo Pacala, award-winning writer and Cinemalaya 14 victor, known for deeply human narratives.
• Direk Blasgil “Blas” Tanquilut, CEO and filmmaker of Shift Content Hub, celebrated for his work that champions Filipino creativity.
• Mr. Adolfo Aran Jr., Senior Director of NU Corporate Marketing & Communications, an advocate for stories that inspire purpose and community.
Films were evaluated based on Thematic and Value Alignment (50%), Storytelling and Narrative (25%), and Compliance with Mechanics (25%).
Five special awards highlighted outstanding achievements in different aspects of filmmaking:
• Best Cinematography – Indayog (NU Clark)
• Best Screenplay – Rosas ng Bukas (NU Fairview)
• Most Inspiring Teacher Story – Yakap ng Nakaraan (NU MOA)
• Outstanding Production – Sigya (NU Dasmariñas)
• People’s Choice Award – Kumpas (NU Fairview)
Taking home the top prize for Best Short Film was “Kumpas” from NU Fairview, which stood out for its heartfelt portrayal of mentorship and the lasting impact of teachers in shaping lives. The short film captures the unwavering dedication and compassion that define those who choose to serve others. It follows Marielle, a nurse whose college lessons continue to guide her every move in the hospital—a reminder that nursing, for her, is more than a profession; it’s a calling to bring purpose, direction, and hope to every life she touches.
Through Liwanag 2025: CineKwento Film Festival, National University shines as a home for stories that honor creativity and gratitude—celebrating the vision of its students and the teachers who guide their light.
#NationalUniversity #EducationThatWorks #NULiwanagCineKwento2025
