The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has selected the short fiction film project ‘Wala Nang Bukas,’ written and directed by Angelo Miguel “Ulap” Chua and produced by Zharyll Ashley Tabarangao, for its Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP) Cycle 1.

This significant achievement highlights the talent and dedication of students of the Visual Communication Program under the Bachelor of Fine Arts Department of the University of the East (UE) College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design (CFAD).

The SFAP is a highly competitive production support initiative offered exclusively to students enrolled in colleges and universities registered under the FDCP Academic Film Society (AFS).

‘Wala Nang Bukas’ is a 20-minute film that takes viewers on the atmospheric and poetic journey of a young man in search of his estranged father. Through its introspective narrative, the film delves into themes of abandonment and self-discovery, portraying a poignant exploration of the protagonist’s inability to let go of the past. The film features compelling performances by actors Jemuel Satumba, Camil Gaymo (both seen, from right, in the still shot here) and Joel Garcia.

This selection marks a milestone for UE, as ‘Wala Nang Bukas’ becomes the first student-produced film from the University to receive a support grant from the FDCP. The achievement underscores the growing reputation of the UE CFAD Visual Communication program, which has consistently produced award-winning films that have received awards and citations at local and international film festivals.

In preparation for this particular film’s development, the grantees participated in a one-day masterclass led by award-winning filmmaker and ‘Firefly’ director Zig Dulay last June 16, at the FDCP Cinematheque in Manila. This masterclass provided invaluable guidance, helping to further refine the narrative and enhance the film’s overall impact.

The production team behind ‘Wala Nang Bukas’ includes a dedicated group of recent graduates of the UE BFA Visual Communication program: Andreia Leigh P. Bernardo, Marcus Luiz V. Coquial, Francene Mae G. Damasco, Carla Joy G. Gerero, Angelyn Paz C. Loquellano, Jerome Midoro, Romeo S. Perez Jr., Luis Miguel L. Sangalang, Robert James R. Teodoro, and Kian Alfred A. Vargas. Their collective effort and creativity have contributed to the realization of this remarkable project.

The selection of ‘Wala Nang Bukas’ for the SFAP is a significant achievement that brings pride to the UE CFAD community, highlighting the exceptional talent and potential of its students.

The production team is expected to submit the completed short film in the first quarter of 2025.

The group shot shows (from left) writer-director Ulap Chua, production designer Angelyn Loquellano
assistant director and editor Kian Vargas, director of photography and editor Jerome Midoro, wardrobe and styling supervisor Luis Sangalang, musical scorer Robert James Teodoro, assistant production manager Francene Damasco, producer and production manager Ashley Tabarangao, art director Romeo Perez, technical director and gaffer Marcus Coquial, assistant director Carla Gerero, and director of photography and editor Leigh Bernardo.

Kudos, Visual Communication Warriors and Warrior Filmmakers!

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