Balangay Independent Film & Theater Festival

Balangay IFTF is a significant celebration of Butuan City's cultural heritage, presenting a captivating journey through the art of filmmaking and performing. It is a testament to the city's maritime legacy and cultural diversity.

Submit a Film Submit a Theatrical Entry




About us

Who are we?

Presented by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Lunsod Lunsad Program and the City Government of Butuan, the festival showcases the city's rich storytelling tradition.





Diversity in Filmmaking

The festival embraces films of all genres and styles, from drama and comedy to documentary and animation. It celebrates filmmakers' unique voices and visions from different backgrounds and cultures.

Cultural Heritage

Rooted in Butuan City, the festival pays homage to the region's rich cultural heritage, highlighting indigenous traditions, local stories, and Butuan's maritime history.

Emerging Talent

The festival showcases the work of emerging filmmakers, offering them a platform to gain exposure, receive feedback, and connect with industry professionals. It encourages innovation, experimentation, and artistic expression.

Audience Experience

Audiences can enjoy diverse films, participate in discussions and workshops, and interact with filmmakers and industry experts. The festival aims to inspire, entertain, and educate through the power of cinema.

Films

Official Selection for this year

coming soon...

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Balangay Indie FTF is an annual event celebrating independent filmmaking, performances, cultural heritage, and community engagement in Butuan City, showcasing diverse narratives and innovative storytelling.

  • Filmmakers can submit their films to the festival by filling out the submission form on our website and following the guidelines provided.

  • We accept a wide range of films, including shorts, documentaries, and animationsthat explore various themes and genres.

  • Yes, there is a no entry fee to submit a film.

  • Films are selected for screening by our selection committee, who evaluate submissions based on criteria such as storytelling, creativity, technical quality, and relevance to the festival's themes.

  • Yes, we offer awards and prizes for selected films in various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Audience Choice Award, to recognize outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking.

Sponsors

in making this festival even possible

Balangay Film Lab

Enhancing Skills and Talent in Filmmaking and Storytelling

Date: September 18-20, 2024

Venue: TBA

What is BFL?

Balangay Film Lab is a skills and talent development program of the Balangay Independent Film & Theater Festival. It is a three-day intensive program that aims to enhance the skills of emerging regional filmmakers in filmmaking and storytelling.

Who can participate?

  • It is open to all senior high and college students from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.
  • Student participants must be officially endorsed by their institution. Each participating school can send a maximum of two participants - 1 Teacher & 1 Student.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have a story concept/idea that can be produced into a short film.
  • Applicants can attend the 3-day intensive film lab.
  • Applicants must submit a working storyline.

Benefits

  • Learn from Industry Experts.
  • Get a chance to pitch their story concept and receive production seeds with P30,000.
  • Develop ideas and concepts ready for production.

Films in Competition Guidelines and Mechanics

1. Eligibility:

  • The competition is open to all aspiring filmmakers from Butuan City and the Caraga Region, regardless of age or nationality.
  • Entries must be original works by the submitting filmmaker(s) created.
  • Film entries must be produced from January 2021 – October 15, 2024.
  • The competition is divided into Student Category and Main Competition Section.
  • The Student Category is exclusive to Senior High School and College students from public and private schools within Butuan City and Agusan del Norte.
  • Student filmmakers submitting in the Student Category must be endorsed by their institution.
  • Students are allowed to hire professional assistance only for technical aspects (e.g., cinematography, editing, sound design), while story development and directing must be done entirely by the students.
  • In the Main Competition Section, filmmakers must be from Butuan City. If from the Caraga Region, the film must be shot in Butuan City. Filmmakers from outside Caraga are not eligible to participate.

2. Theme:

Balangay Independent Film Festival embraces the theme – “Sailing Our Stories.” Each film embodies the journey of a Balangay boat, navigating through Butuan and the Caraga region's culture, history, and folklore.

3. Submission Period:

  • The submission period for Main Competition will be from September 13 - October 15, 2024.
  • Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

4. Submission Guidelines:

  • Films must be short films, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes, including credits.
  • Films can be of any genre (drama, comedy, documentary, animation, experimental).
  • Entries must be submitted in digital format (.mp4 or .mov) with a minimum resolution of 1080p.
  • Films must be in local dialects (Bisaya, Butuanon, Agusanon, Surigaonon) with English subtitles.
  • Films should not contain explicit content inappropriate for general audiences.
  • Film productions must follow safety protocols, and the organizers are not liable for incidents during production.
  • Films featuring Indigenous Peoples’ stories or culture must have corresponding permits from NCIP and community approval.
  • Filmmakers must ensure compliance with copyright laws and provide proof of permission for any copyrighted materials used.
  • Once selected, films cannot be withdrawn from the festival.

5. Submission Process & Requirements:

  • Submit the entry via the festival website: balangayindieff.com.
  • Upload the film to a file-sharing platform and provide the link in the submission form.
  • Requirements include: Logline, Synopsis, Director’s and Producer’s Statements, Cast & Crew, 13x19 inches poster (300 ppi), film trailer (max. 2 minutes), behind-the-scenes footage, and permits if necessary.

6. Selection Process:

  • A selection committee will review and evaluate all submissions.
  • Shortlisted entries will be announced two weeks after the submission period ends.

7. Notification:

Finalists will be notified via email by October 19, 2024, and will be required to provide promotional materials such as high-resolution posters and behind-the-scenes photos.

8. Awards:

Cash prizes for both categories:

  • Student Category:
    • Best Film – P25,000
    • Best Cinematography – P5,000
    • Best Story – P5,000.00
    • Best Musical Score – P5,000.00
    • Best Sound Design – P5,000.00
    • Best Director – P5,000.00
    • Best Production Design – P5,000.00
    • Best Editing – P5,000.00
    • Best Screenplay – P5,000.00
    • Special Jury Award – P5,000.00
    • Best Actor – P5,000.00
    • Best Actress – P5,000.00
  • Main Competition Section:
    • Best Film – P50,000
    • Best Cinematography – P10,000
    • Best Story – P10,000.00
    • Best Musical Score – P10,000.00
    • Best Sound Design – P10,000.00
    • Best Director – P10,000.00
    • Best Production Design – P10,000.00
    • Best Editing – P10,000.00
    • Best Screenplay – P10,000.00
    • Special Jury Award – P10,000.00
    • Best Actor – P10,000.00
    • Best Actress – P10,000.00

9. Rights:

Filmmakers grant the Balangay Independent Film Festival the right to screen their films and use excerpts for promotional purposes. Filmmakers retain all rights to their films for future screenings.

10. Inquiry:

For inquiries, filmmakers can contact: balangayindiefilmfestival@gmail.com

Theater Performance Competition Guidelines

  • This competition is open to all public and private junior and senior high school students of Butuan City.
  • Theme: Balangay: Tulay ng Buhay
  • Each entry performance should last for at least twenty (20) minutes and a maximum time of thirty (30) minutes. Lack or excess in the required time duration will result in a deduction of 5 points.
  • There will only be a minimum of twenty (20) and a maximum of fifty (50) participants, accompanied by a maximum of 5 faculty members. The performers must be bona fide students from the same school they represent.
  • The language used in the theater performance must be appropriate and suitable for any age.
  • The medium of delivery can be English/Filipino/Bisaya/Mix.
  • Use of props is allowed as long as they do not cause delays in the performance or harm other groups.
  • Groups may wear any theatrical costume/attire appropriate to the theme/storyline. Costumes must be decent and presentable.
  • This is a theatrical performance competition that highlights arts as a source and expression of Cultural Pride, responding to lifestyle, traditions, and social realities, as well as the arts' role in improving community life as Butuanons/Filipinos.
  • The theater performance allows for an open script or adaptation.
  • The school can hire a scriptwriter, artistic director, or choreographer if they do not have in-house faculty for scriptwriting, theatre direction, or choreography.
  • The participating school will produce a musical theatre performance.
  • The decision of the Board of Judges is final and unappealable.
  • Registration is free. Schools can register online with the link ___________________ or visit the City Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department (CTCAD) at JCAquino Building, City Sports Complex, Libertad, Butuan City.
  • There will be a Directors/Choreographers’ Orientation Seminar for all registrants to ensure a better understanding and execution of the theatrical performance. The date will be announced later.
  • All participants will be required to perform at the contest venue according to their scheduled date and time for the whole duration of the festival.
  • For inquiries, contact 0938.852.1916 (Albert).

CRITERIA

  • Concept and Staging (Directional work, appropriateness of style): 30 points
  • Performance (Delivery, mastery, and quality of performance/skills): 30 points
  • Design Elements (Setting, costumes, and props): 30 points
  • Audience Impact: 10 points
  • Total: 100 points

PRIZES

  • First Place / Champion: Php. 100,000.00
  • Second Place: Php. 70,000.00
  • Third Place: Php. 50,000.00
  • 3 Consolation Prizes @ Php. 20,000.00 each: Php. 60,000.00