Prepare for a groundbreaking outdoor Music and Movie Festival nestled in the heart of nature atop the Mountain in Bayan ng Santa Maria, the Northernmost town of Laguna. This unprecedented event promises a unique experience, set against the backdrop of a 360-degree panoramic vista encompassing Mount Banahaw, Mount Cristobal, and Mount Sembrano. Overlooking Laguna de Bay and the windmills of Pililia, Rizal, the venue offers a breathtaking view like no other, creating an ambiance that’s truly unparalleled.
The event kicks off with the official opening ceremony featuring the Santa Maria Academy Dance Troupe, a source of pride for the town. The high school teens will warmly welcome all moviegoers, setting the stage for local performers to take the spotlight as the opening act.
The acoustic guitarist Miro Valera and singer Jeff Bolivar will entertain the audience with their sets during intermissions between film showings.
The upcoming Santa Maria Music and Film Festival (SMMFF) scheduled for December 2nd will feature a lineup of seven short films. This three-hour event, running from 3 pm to 6 pm, will encompass various categories and highlight works from freelance movie writers and directors.
Around 20 short film entries were submitted online via FilmFreeway.com, hailing from diverse corners of the world and representing individuals from various walks of life, including students, directors, short filmmakers, commercial creators, and those crafting inspirational content.
Out of these 20 entries, approximately 13 were chosen based on specific selection criteria. What were these criteria for evaluating the entries, and how were these films selected to make it onto the shortlist?
Judging Guidelines:
● Viewing Window: October 5-20, 2023.
● Rating Criteria: As detailed below.
● Feedback: Encouraged for filmmakers’ growth. (Not mandatory)
● Winners: Based on cumulative scores post-judging.
Platform Details:
We’re utilizing FilmFreeway for this year’s festival. Once confirmed, you’ll gain exclusive access to the submitted films. Access to your Judge dashboard has been granted.
Assigned Films:
For multiple films in a category, please use the Rating Criteria. For single-entry categories, employ Merit-Based Evaluation.
Rating Criteria (Multiple Films):
● 10 stars for top choice.
● 9 stars for the next, descending accordingly.
Merit-Based Evaluation (Single Entries):
● Films will be judged on their merits against SMMFF’s criteria.
● A score of 85 is required for award consideration.
● Score guide
While optional, we encourage providing constructive feedback to filmmakers.
Here are the Top 7 from the 13 pre-selected films:
- The Vibe Operator (part 1) – is a student film by Michael Moore from USA. Mike presents “The Vibe Ope rator,” a modern sci-fi rock opera about a disillusioned rockstar leaving Earth for deep space to live out his ego-driven dream.In a future where most have evolved into a collective hive, Android Andrew is inspired by ancient Earth music and rebels against The Collective’s oppressive ways.Mike Moore wrote, directed, and performed in the prototype for his master’s thesis at Berklee College of Music NYC in 2022, with an album set to release this year.
- Bitter Brownies by James Carman from USA. In this dark comedy, a devious thief pilfers lunches from the company refrigerator. Staff employees are out for blood. Where will the food bandit strike next?!!!
- Life Savers by Lukasz Wdowicz, Poland. This is a short commercial about a Granddaughter is up to no good to get out of a family gathering around an ill grandfather at the hospital.
- Searching for Chunk by Samuel Haft, USA. It’s a short documentary about two friends discover an old novelty record on youtube, and in trying to track down the story behind it, accidentally launch themselves into an increasingly surreal investigation.
- Till the music stop by Emilie De Monsabert from France. A directorial about a witness at her best friend’s wedding, Pauline hopes to enjoy this extraordinary day and to get closer to the handsome Raphael. But it will be hard for her to take her eyes off her disabled daughter Emma, whom she could not bring herself to let keep.
- Dream On – an inspiration short film by Dale Metz, Sarah – Lee Dobbs, United States. The story goes when Kylie dreams of a career in the performing arts. When her audition letter finally arrives, she struggles to find the confidence to make it happen
- I Can Do Anything: A Letter to Burning Man – an inspirational film by Alba Roland Mejia, United States. This experimental short film is an intimate, character-focused exploration of the unique black experience at Burning Man. It was not my priority to capture Burning Man itself, but the energy exchange that it has with the present black bodies. My goal is this piece inspires curiosity.
Guests can enjoy complimentary wine courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Arbor Mist during the event. For convenience, it’s recommended to bring and use your tumbler for refilling stations providing mineral water. Additionally, samples from Conzace, Nafarin, and Immunpro will also be available for distribution.
