Designed to inspire aspiring creatives and showcase their artistry in diverse fields, the Benilde Animation Festival (BAF) featured activities such as film screenings, expert talks, a competition and an exhibit which encouraged learners to pursue their passion and fostered industry connections.

Led by the Animation Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) as the students’ culminating activity, the week-long event spotlighted their own capstone projects. It likewise presented the experiences of professionals in the fields of animation, gaming, direction, and other creative disciplines.

Ten finalist films were screened. Memories in Plastic by Sean Edrice Vallidos touches on a modern-day toy collector in search for his long-lost childhood toy. Paradise by Rose Cruzat follows a reserved college student who finds solace in a famous movie star. Kiampong by Elyza Cua revolves around a Chinese Filipino high school fresh graduate surrounded by persons coming from both ethnicities and cultures.

On the other hand, Neil, who is endowed with angel wings, gets overwhelmed by calls for help in the film Are U Busy? by Ryann J Tortor. This prompts him to fly as far as he can, face his own demons, and reassess his life.

Alumana by Anna Katrina Villaruz is a 2D animated short film on a young girl’s career day in a magical world. Starkeeper by Ice Gallardo tackles the protagonist’s dilemma on whether she should follow her parents’ aspirations for her or pursue her own passion as an artist. L by Kiana Betina de Persia is centered on an art college student with difficulties to seek a muse for her final exhibition piece, until she unexpectedly bumps into another art student who inspires her to create a masterpiece. The Runaways by Kayla Palacios navigates an enchanting world where mages can only use pure light magic and never wield any of the seven forbidden magic practices. Fidem by Ric Moldez III shows the protagonist going after a mechanical sect of monks as they wreak havoc on a “heretic” town. The story of a little mouse exploring her old house, filled with childhood memories with her late grandmother, is portrayed in the film titled In this Home by Charlize Ong.

In addition to the film showings, a series of career talks and roundtable discussions delved into the present landscape of the creative sector and some practical strategies to navigate its challenges and opportunities. The participants likewise gained insights on the industry and how to break into the scene.

In his speech, Benilde Animation Program chairperson Patrick Astilla shared a quote from American author Kent Nerburn, which he encountered in a leadership workshop by Br. Mike Valenzuela FSC: “Work is never just work.”