After a series of intensive documentary film labs, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) announced the SineSaysay Bagong Sibol winners at the Cinematheque Centre Manila last November 30, 2018. The Bagong Sibol Documentary Film Lab is a program geared towards emerging documentary filmmakers and focuses on telling authentic and significant stories of Filipinos and our country.

“There’s so much promise and potential in this batch of Bagong Sibol filmmakers and we are so proud to support them in any way we can do they can continue enriching the documentary filmmaking industry in the country,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño. 

Chairperson Diño was joined by NHCP Chairman Rene Escalante to present and award the co-production grants to the hopeful Bagong Sibol filmmakers to support their project’s production and development.

SINESAYSAY BAGONG SIBOL GRANTEES (Php 700,000.00)

• “El Caudillo” - Khalil Joseph Bañares (Director)
• “Patay na Riles” - Christian Samoy (Director) Christopher Dimagan (Producer)
• “The Last Sea Nomads” - Bryan Brazil (Director) Lea Torre (Producer)
• “Pag-ibig, at mga Umiiyak na Baboy” - Carla Ocampo (Director) Lester Valle (Producer)

FDCP DEVELOPMENT GRANT (Php 100,000.00)

• “Father of the Lepers” - Micaela Rodriguez (Director) Mark Philip Espina (Line Producer) 
• “Mga Bayaning Ayta” - Donnie Sacueza (Director)

FDCP MENTORS’ CHOICE AWARD (Php 150,000)

“Red Clouds” - Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

BEST LIVE PITCH AWARD (Php 20,000)

• “Red Clouds” - Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS (NCCA) AWARD (Php 250,000)

• “A Memory of Empire” - Jean Claire Dy (Director) Manuel Domes (Producer)
• “Pag-ibig, at mga Umiiyak na Baboy” - Carla Ocampo (Director) Lester Valle (Producer)
• “Father of the Lepers” - Micaela Rodriguez (Director) Mark Philip Espina (Line Producer)

BLACK MARIA AWARD (Co-Production with Black Maria Pictures)

• “Red Clouds” - Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

CENTRAL DIGITAL LAB AWARD (Digital Cinema Package)

• “Pag-ibig, at mga Umiiyak na Baboy” - Carla Ocampo (Director) Lester Valle (Producer)
• “The Last Sea Nomads” - Bryan Brazil (Director) Lea Torre (Producer)

DIRECTORS' GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (DGPI) AWARD (Php 40,000 and Creative Consultancy)

• “Pag-ibig, at mga Umiiyak na Baboy” - Carla Ocampo (Director) Lester Valle (Producer)
• “Red Clouds” - Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

TOAST AND BREW AWARD (Co-Production and Post-Production Assistance)

• “El Caudillo” - Khalil Joseph Bañares (Director)
• “Red Clouds” - Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

UNITEL PRODUCTIONS, INC. AWARD (Php 20,000)

• “Pag-ibig, at mga Umiiyak na Baboy” - Carla Ocampo (Director) Lester Valle (Producer)
•  “Red Clouds” Darlene Young (Director) Arianne Dulay (Producer)

The Bagong Sibol Documentary Lab provides opportunities to emerging and professional documentary filmmakers to immerse in the world of documentary filmmaking in the Philippines. Through a series of workshops and consultations, finalists gained a fresh perspective about producing documentaries that tackle relevant events in our history that are rarely talked about.

 During the First Lab, fellows discussed their chosen concepts during the story development and documentary storytelling masterclass. Meanwhile, finalists presented their projects’ rough cut and had an intensive one-on-one consultation about editing with the mentors during the Second Lab. On the program’s third and last installment, attendees underwent training sessions that focused on pitching and promoting their films.

 Seasoned filmmakers shared their knowledge and experiences in creating documentaries worth telling. Mentors include documentary director/producer Ms. Ditsi Carolino, journalist and independent filmmaker Mr. Joseph Israel Laban, screenwriter, director, producer, and editor Ms. Coreen “Monster” Jimenez, and director Mr. Sheron Dayoc. Guest mentors director and cinematographer Mr. Nawruz Paguidopon and documentary filmmaker Ms. Ramona Diaz also gave their insights about showcasing Philippine’s rich history through films.

 After the Bagong Sibol pitching showcase, SineSaysay feature finalists presented their production progress and trailers. Entries include Daan Patungong Tawaya by Kevin Piamonte, My Father the Executioner by Cha Escala, Heneral Asyong by Victor Acedillo, and Looter by Jayson Bernard Santos.

 The SineSaysay Bagong Sibol Film Lab 1 happened on June 13 to 15, 2018 at the Lake Hotel Tagaytay, while the SineSaysay Bagong Sibol Film Lab 2 was conducted on September 25 to 27, 2018 at Acuaverde Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas. On the other hand, the SineSaysay Bagong Sibol Film Lab 3 was held on November 20 to 22, 2018 at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay, Manila.

 The Bagong Sibol winners, together with the feature documentary winners, will have their films featured next year at Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).