Empowering regional voices: A deep dive into iACADEMY’s iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab 2.0

Building on the resounding success of its inaugural year, iACADEMY, a leading institution under STI Holdings recognized for its specialized college courses, proudly unveils the second edition of the INDIEGENIUS Project Lab.

The initiative steadfastly upholds its mission of empowering filmmakers with regional roots and concepts grounded in indigenous and regional themes, offering a vital platform to cultivate these projects into cinematic realities.

The program is presented in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), solidifying a shared commitment to nurturing film education and championing the next generation of Filipino filmmakers.

Reaping the rewards of nurturing homegrown talent

Raquel Perez Wong, iACADEMY president and chief operating officer, reflects on the program’s initial success, highlighting the achievements of its mentees who have since become award-winning filmmakers. “The first edition has demonstrably yielded a new generation of lauded storytellers,” she enthuses. “Among them are Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, co-directors of Tumandok, the winner at Cinemalaya 2024, and iACADEMY’s very own Cedrick Labadia, whose film Threefor100 not only triumphed with Best Director and Best Picture at the Manila Film Festival but also represented the Philippines at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival.

Additionally, Kydylee Torato, a recipient of the iNDIEGENIUS finalist grant, premiered her film Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, garnering critical acclaim and propelling her onto the international stage.”

Wong elaborates on the program’s core purpose: “iNDIEGENIUS is designed to empower aspiring filmmakers by equipping them with the resources and opportunities they need to flourish. By fostering these distinct creative voices, we contribute to a flourishing and diverse cinematic landscape in the Philippines. This year, we are redoubling our efforts to cultivate talent and advocate for innovative storytelling approaches.”

Expanding scope, deepening impact

The second edition of iNDIEGENIUS sharpens its focus on filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35. In a significant advancement, the program broadens its reach beyond the 10 projects vying for the two coveted P500,000 production grants. The scholar slots have been generously expanded from two to 10.

While these scholars’ projects may not be production-ready yet, they will immensely benefit from workshops and mentorship designed to propel their creative endeavors forward.

Keith Sicat, iACADEMY’s creative director and iNDIEGENIUS program director, elaborates on the program’s growth, emphasizing its amplified impact.

“This expansion signifies that up to 20 projects in various stages of development will reap the benefits of the project lab,” he explains. “Last year’s scholars, Cedrick Labadia and Sophia Velonza, had profoundly transformative experiences at the Busan International Film Festival — Labadia with his iNDIEGENIUS-developed film, and Velonza through Platform Busan, the festival’s educational arm.”

Unleashing the next wave of Filipino storytellers

With applications open until 27 January, iNDIEGENIUS extends an invitation to aspiring filmmakers brimming with regional narratives and a passion for indigenous storytelling.

The meticulously curated program awaits 10 exceptional projects and 10 promising scholars, all of whom will embark on an intensive workshop journey.

From this crucible of creativity, two projects will emerge victorious, securing production grants to bring their visions to life on the silver screen.