Cine plaza is back!

The intermittent rain kept on threatening the viewers as if wanting them to go away, seek refuge, and hide. And the most-awaited, once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the super blue blood moon, added to the uniqueness of the experience. The cold nights were unsuccessful in discouraging us, in an open space where we were just squatting, begging the heavens not to pour down on us. One short film after another, we anticipated what was next, what was to be offered as one was distinct from the others.

For four straight nights, the Museo Sugbo opened its doors as the venue for the showing of this year's Sinulog short films and documentaries. This has become a tradition for Mr. Ron Heri Tan, Sinulog Film Festival director, to show all the short films and documentaries before they are going to be shortlisted for final viewing. And for this year, it is going to happen at the SM Seaside Cebu on February 10 at 1 p.m. where right after the

screening the awarding ceremonies will follow at 6 p.m.

For millennials perhaps the experience of viewing films in plazas is something different and new. The truth is, it's long been practiced by their grandparents who went to town plazas to watch films when televisions were scarce and theatre houses were absent at that time. But this communal experience has long persisted because of the social benefits one can obtain. The anticipation and effort to go to the plazas and meet their neighbors is one great social experience that cannot be obtained just inside one's home. It is a heightened level of anticipation that one can derive from meeting like-minded people who share the vision of propagating the local arts.

This artistic-cum-social event has become a motivating force for filmmakers and actors to come together and share what they have produced despite recurrent budgetary constraints. And although the major prizes offer an alluring magnet but it's one's devotion and faith that keeps them producing films year after year as I saw quite a number of repeaters as well as those who have taken a break for a year or two. And for some of them, it has become their vow, win or lose.

And for sure when we want sustainability of this undertaking we need more young people to carry on the torch, which is so inspiring as I saw young ones who have started to venture into the world of filmmaking as it offers a unique platform for capturing the very stories and aspirations of our people.

I would like to commend the leadership of Mr. Ron Heri Tan for keeping the local film industry alive and kicking. To the men and women behind the festival, kudos to you all! This is already the 14th year of the Sinulog Short Film Festival, and more years to come! Pit Senyor!