Pioneer Insurance showcased the creativity of the younger generation at the Real to Reel: Gen Z Short Film Competition Grand Finals held at Greenbelt Cinema 3, impressing a star-studded panel of judges and Gen Z audiences, online and in cinemas.
Ang Panawagan ni Googly, submitted by Jerry Surpia from Leyte Normal University, emerged as the top entry among over 120 submissions from Gen Z students representing top universities and public schools nationwide.
The winning film, starring a used plastic milk tea container named “Googly,” addresses the pressing issue of climate change in a unique way, highlighting pollution caused by the country’s waste problem.
Pioneer Group Head Lorenzo Chan, Jr., who served as one of the judges in the competition, shared his insights on the results, commending the vision of Gen Zs.
“It became clear today that two of the top concerns young people have about the future are, first, climate change — ranging from global warming to other related issues — and second, politics, including graft and corruption,” Mr. Chan said.
“These issues are clearly top of mind for them. What’s even more impressive is how they’ve tackled these topics in such creative ways, using drama, comedy, and other genres. I’m optimistic that these films will inspire the next-gen and viewers of all ages to work towards a better future,” he added.
Meanwhile, award-winning actress and CEO of Fire and Ice Entertainment, Liza Diño, who led the formidable panel, was particularly impressed at how outspoken the younger generation are regarding their stance on social issues.
“The competition revealed what these kids care about. They are very aware of social issues and want to make a difference,” Ms. Diño shared.
Fire and Ice CEO and President Liza Diño poses with the Real to Reel audience at the jam-packed Greenbelt Cinema 3. In photo are the esteemed judges, including director and Carlos Palanca awardee Chris Martinez, Unitel Straight Shooters Media, Inc. President and CEO Madonna Tarrayo, and Octopus & Whale Founder and CEO Joey Tiempo.
Aside from Mr. Chan and Ms. Diño, the panel of judges also included the multi-awarded director Chris Martinez, renowned for his exceptional work on various iconic Filipino movies like Ang Babae sa Septic Tank and the Kimmy Dora series; Madonna Tarrayo, President and CEO of Unitel Straight Shooters Media, Inc. and highly respected figure in film and television production; and Joey Tiempo, founder of the game and experience design agency Octopus & Whale and award-winning Creative who has judged and earned recognition from international creative competitions.
The second-place award was given to Calor by Troy Bryan Fontanar from Visayas State University, featuring “Quip,” a robot living underground in a climate-ravaged future embarking on a journey to witness the Earth’s remaining greenery.
Meanwhile, Trapo by Danreb Dela Cruz, Myro Andrada, and John Rhey Flores from Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School was named third-placer for its sharp critique on traditional politics in the Philippines.
The short film Siya Na Walang Pangalan was also awarded as the Online Favorite after garnering the most number of likes on Pioneer Insurance’s Facebook page.
The film captures mental health through the lens of Leah Oliquino, Clare Puno, Jexel Keane Alejo, Gera Escobar, and Bien Bisenio from the University of the Philippines Baguio.
About Real to Reel
A decade after launching its first youth campaign, Pioneer Insurance proudly introduced Real to Reel, a short film competition that showcases the unique perspective of Gen Z on building a better future and inspiring action on today’s most pressing social issues.
It is the latest addition to Pioneer’s award-winning youth campaigns, following successful projects like the HeART for Tomorrow Mobile Photography and Art Competition (2019), Big Heart Shirt Design Competition (2018), Move On Lang Songwriting Competition (2017), Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition (2015), and Stories of Friendship Film Competition (2014).
More than just a competition, Real to Reel is part of Pioneer’s longstanding advocacy to empower the youth to take control of their future and make every moment count.
The top 10 entries are still available on Pioneer’s Facebook page, where interested viewers can watch them.
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