Outstanding short films that break the stigmas on HIV and AIDS in the Philippines were given recognition at the CineSpectra 2019 Short Film Festival Awards Night last August 26, 2019 at TriNoma Mall in Quezon City. The Film Festival was organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and EON Foundation in partnership with LoveYourself Inc. and Directors’ Guild of the Philippines (DGPI).

The CineSpectra 2019 with the theme “Your Judgment, Their Life” premiered 10 Filipino short films that shed light on HIV and AIDS in the country and inspire filmmakers to create films with powerful advocacies.

Among the 10 finalists, this year’s CineSpectra winners include the following:

Directors Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori of “Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert”

BEST DIRECTOR

Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori of “Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert” (Mandaluyong City)

Synopsis: A closeted gay man in his 60s has been living with HIV for 10 years. His monotonous life takes a sudden turn when he opens a package and sees an old vinyl record. The owner of a shop that records and restores old vinyl records, a lonely widower in his 50s, can’t seem to fix the old vinyl record completely. The old man goes back and forth to the repair shop. Amidst loneliness, the two form an unlikely bond.

Director Kyle Jumayne Francisco of “Gulis”

CRITICS CHOICE AWARDEE

“Gulis” by Kyle Jumayne Francisco (Pampanga)

Synopsis: Andrei is a thriving painter whose father, Jun, isn’t in full support of his passion. Their lives take a turn when they both discover Andrei’s health status.

Director Ma. Ceazara Vidallo of “Taym Pers, Pers Taym”

BEST PICTURE

“Taym Pers, Pers Taym” by Ma. Ceazara Vidallo (Quezon City)

Synopsis: In a game that everyone seems to play, one man decides to make a power move. Richard is finally at his most awaited moment and is torn between playing it safe or risking everything to experience full satisfaction. With the conservative guidance of his brother Eugene and the carefree advice of his buddy Benjo clashing in his head, Richard is confused on how he will proceed with his “Pers Taym” moment.

The CineSpectra 2019 Best Picture “Taym Pers, Pers Taym” will be part of the Sine Kabataan 3 finalists and will be screened in all cinemas nationwide in September during the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) 2019. The CineSpectra short film will be paired with a PPP full-length counterpart.

All 10 CineSpectra short films were screened for free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis last August 28 to 30, 2019 at the Cinematheque venues in Manila, Iloilo, and Davao.