#ForYouPelikula Short Film Festival gives platform to ’emerging filmmakers, storytellers’

Image: EON Group

Viva and TikTok launched the #ForYouPelikula Short Film Festival which aims to “unlock and tap into the potential of the Philippine short film sector.”

The campaign invites aspiring creators and storytellers to craft short film entries that showcase their “compelling and inspiring narratives,” and that “resonate with younger audiences.”

Participants, who must be based in the Philippines and at least 18 years old, are given creative liberty to explore various formats, from captivating skits and reenactments to immersive narrations or even presenting the entire short film.

“As TikTok continues to evolve as a creative powerhouse, we’re excited to introduce #ForYouPelikula in the Philippines. This campaign is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of storytelling and a testament to the boundless creativity within our community,” Julie Zhu, TikTok’s Entertainment Lead in the Philippines, said.

“We invite aspiring creatives, storytellers, and anyone with a bright idea to take on this challenge of self-expression and innovation. Together, we’re shaping the future of Philippine cinema, and we can’t wait to see the incredible narratives that will emerge from this unique initiative,” she added.

Participants are free to submit multiple entries—each ranging from 1 to 3 minutes long—from Oct. 2 to 22, although only one entry from each participant can qualify as a finalist.

The top five finalists, who will be announced on Oct. 25, will each receive a cash prize of P10,000 and have their creations “professionally produced” in collaboration with Viva.

The final short films will be featured at the #ForYouPelikula Awards Night on Nov. 28. Winners of the Best Entry and the Best Short Film awards, which comes with P50,000 cash prize each, will also be announced at the awarding event.  /ra