Ina Bulan, an upsetting Ilokano short film by MMSU’s filmmaker Melver Gomez, was named Best Short Film at the prestigious 2025 Manila Film Critics Circle Awards (MFCCA), earning Gomez national acclaim alongside National Artist for Film Ricky Lee, and big names in the Philippine film industry.

Other major winners at the 2025 Manila Film Critics Circle Awards include Balota, which took home Best Picture, with Marian Rivera earning Best Actress for her performance in the same film. Dennis Trillo was awarded Best Actor for his role in Green Bones, which also won Best Cinematography for Neil Daza. The Best Screenplay award went to Anj Atienza and Ricky Lee, while Kip Oebanda received the honor for Best Original Story.

The film, set against the backdrop of ilokano spirituality and tradition, traces the quiet but stirring journey of Seferina, a devoted prayer leader caught in the tension between duty and longing for personal freedom. It tells a story of resilience and spirituality deeply rooted in Ilokano culture.

Told entirely in ilokano to remind the audience that comfort of familiarity is not the only way to connect, the film unfolds at a symbolic crossroads, where Seferina deals with her dual desires before ultimately choosing one path.

The film has also earned national acclaim beyond MFCCA. It was recently awarded Pinakapasadong Maikling Pelikula by Gawad Pasado, the premier educators’ choice award in Philippine cinema. Furthermore, it is a nominee for Best Regional Film at the upcoming FAMAS Short Film Festival, adding to its growing list of recognitions.

Gomez, a rising voice in regional cinema, was also recently named one of the four recipients of the 2025 National Youth Achievement Award for Integrated Arts, under the Literature and Cinema category, further reinforcing his role as a figure in culturally grounded storytelling.

In his message, Gomez dedicated the award to fellow regional filmmakers. “May this award serve as an inspiration to other regional filmmakers to continue telling the stories of their regions,” Gomez said.

Ina Bulan stands not only as a cinematic achievement but also as a powerful reminder of the richness and depth of regional narratives in the national conversation on film.

Melver Ritz Gomez