On social media, short reels and videos that feature animals always get viral status. Some fine samples: An adorable husky craving for tender, loving care; a Persian cat throwing a diva tantrum; abandoned wild animals like a cougar, lion cub or wolf, rescued by their human, and cared for like the newest addition to family.

In movies and television, we have Lassie, the trio con brio composed of Shadow, a golden retriever; Chance, an American bulldog; and the Himalayan cat Sassy in Homeward Bound. There are also the gentle Saint Bernard in Beethoven and the legendary Akita dog with a monument Hachiko, who waited for his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, at the Shibuya station in Japan every day for nine years even after his owner’s demise.

With all of these happenings and verities, the Unleash Pawscars Short Film Festival has been expectedly met with appreciation and glee.

A short film festival

“The festival is all about one thing: Celebrating the powerful bond between people and their pets which will be highlighted in the short films,” said festival director Mark Sakay.

“Pawscars is more than just a film competition, it’s a celebration of the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives — stories that deserve to be seen and heard by everyone. That it is why it is truly unique, wonderful and inspiring.”

“Whether it’s a goofy dog, a life-saving cat, or even a turtle that got you through heartbreak, the festival wants your story — funny, heartfelt, animated, documentary-style, or anything in between,” Sakay said.

The Pawscars is open to all Filipino nationals, wherever you are in the world. No fancy camera or film degree required — just a story to tell and a pet who’s ready for the spotlight.

Submitted short films can be up to 20 minutes long (credits included) and should follow humane animal handling practices. Films whose language is not in.

Deadline of short films submission is on 31 August. The short films who will be part of the competition, announcement is on 15 September.

Jury duties

Heading the jury is film master and head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Jose Javier Reyes. Joining him as part of the jury are new generation motion picture directors Arvin Belarmino (Radikal, Life’s Pedal) and Joseph Abello (What Home Feels Like, Double Twisting, Double Back).

“Nakakatuwa ang concept ng Pawscars. It’s not just a film fest — it’s about real connection. I have fur babies myself and I am excited to see what stories will be submitted. I am sure there will be many surprises,” said jury head Reyes.

Director Belarmino said: “I have not directed a movie with animals as leads. Kaya nga excited ako sa mga bagong kuwento. This is the first time that we are having this kind of festival kaya this early, curious and intrigued na ako on what to view and what are narratives that they will have.”

“The bond that a person shares with his pet, that kind na nagbibigay ng peace of mind, calm, comfort that you are not alone, sa mga paparating na short film, ma-capture sana ang pagmamahal na ‘yon,” said jury member Abello.

Pet parents are advised to discover and upload the Unleash app — a digital hub made especially for Filipino pet owners and their beloved fur (or scale, or feather) babies. It’s a one-stop shop for everything from pet care to community updates.

In case your pet has ever saved your life, made you laugh during tough times, provide comfort and companionship, this is the opportune time to immortalized and save for posterity, that some kind of wonderful relationship with your Bantay or Muning, Brownie and Kitty, Tony and Grey, in a short film that will inspire and make many happy.

The grand prize winner will take home P150,000 — and the bragging rights of course of winning in the first UNLEASH Pawscars Short Film Festival.