Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, iACADEMY, a premier institution under STI Holdings renowned for its specialized college programs, proudly unveils the second edition of the iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab. This initiative continues its mission to empower filmmakers with projects rooted in regional and indigenous narratives, providing a platform to bring these stories to life.
Presented in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), iNDIEGENIUS underscores a collective commitment to advancing film education and supporting the next generation of storytellers.
Recognizing Rising Filmmakers
“The first edition counts newly minted award-winners among its mentees,” shared Raquel Perez Wong, iACADEMY President and COO.
Notable alumni of the program include:
- Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, co-directors of Tumandok, which won at Cinemalaya 2024.
- Cedrick Labadia, an iACADEMY student whose film Threefor100 won Best Director and Best Picture at the Manila Film Festival and represented the Philippines at the Busan International Film Festival.
- Kydylee Torato, recipient of the iNDIEGENIUS finalist grant, who premiered her film Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, earning critical acclaim and international recognition.
“iNDIEGENIUS aims to empower aspiring filmmakers by providing resources and opportunities to thrive,” Wong emphasized. “By nurturing these creative voices, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape. This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to fostering talent and supporting innovative storytelling.”
Expanded Opportunities for Emerging Creators
The second edition of iNDIEGENIUS will focus on filmmakers aged 18 to 35. In addition to the 10 finalist projects competing for two ₱500,000 production grants, the program has significantly expanded its scholar slots from two to ten.
Scholars, while not yet ready for full production, will benefit from comprehensive workshops and mentorship to develop their projects further.
“This expansion means up to 20 projects in development will benefit from the project lab,” said Keith Sicat, iACADEMY’s Creative Director and iNDIEGENIUS Program Director.
Last year’s scholars, such as Cedrick Labadia and Sophia Velonza, experienced career-transforming opportunities at the Busan International Film Festival, with one presenting their iNDIEGENIUS-developed film and the other participating in Platform Busan, the festival’s educational arm.
Application Details
Applications for the second iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab are open until January 27, 2025.
Filmmakers can apply through the program’s official website at indiegenius.iacademy.edu.ph.
The program will select 10 finalist projects and 10 scholars, all of whom will undergo intensive workshops. Two standout projects will receive ₱500,000 production grants to bring their films to life.
With iNDIEGENIUS, iACADEMY continues to champion regional filmmakers and foster a new wave of innovative, impactful storytelling that celebrates the richness of Philippine culture and heritage.
