By Edmar Delos Santos

Eight short films produced by Bachelor of Arts in Communication students are now streaming on the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) JuanFlix from February 17 to 23.

As part of the fourth edition of Y2Cinema 2025, the annual film festival of the Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C), the national film agency’s streaming platform is showcasing the official entries—four short narrative films and four documentaries.

With the theme “Danas” (Experiences), the student filmmakers explored everyday Filipino narratives and tackled issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The featured films include Toyang, Ytribu, The Last Raindrop, A Gifted Journey, Lapis ng Paglaya, Dalluyon, Dagiti Baro nga Ehemplo ti Kinasirib, and Shutdown.

Y2C Executive Chairperson Ms. Janna Butay expressed gratitude to FDCP for providing a platform for MMSU creatives, particularly communication students. 

“This is a milestone which provides student filmmakers with a larger platform to showcase their work, especially on a well-known streaming service that reaches a broader audience,” Ms. Butay said.

The exhibition of these student films stems from MMSU’s membership and accreditation with the FDCP Academic Film Society (AFS)—a national association of Philippine schools, colleges, and universities with existing film programs, courses, or related student organizations—in June 2024.

Dr. Bryan Realgo, MMSU representative to FDCP AFS and Y2C adviser, emphasized that this collaboration marks the beginning of more initiatives between the university and the national film agency.

“In the coming months, we anticipate hosting film workshops and training sessions for students and educators, featuring speakers from FDCP,” Dr. Realgo remarked.

As an AFS member, MMSU will gain access to various FDCP programs, including the Student Film Assistance Program, film school workshops, FDCP Media Library, teacher training, film ratings and permits, mentorship opportunities, and school event promotions. A memorandum of agreement will soon be signed to formalize the partnership.

Before the JuanFlix screening, the Y2Cinema 2025 entries were first shown to MMSU students during in-person screenings at Teatro Ilocandia and the College of Arts and Sciences Audio-Visual Room from February 12 to 14.

Y2Cinema started in 2022 as a film exhibition and later evolved into a competition. In 2024, Byukon, an entry from the festival the same year, received an Honorable Mention award at the 16th SinePiyu of Far Eastern University, a national student film competition.

FDCP is the national government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines, responsible for crafting film policies and programs to develop the country’s film industry. 

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Watch Y2Cinema 2025 entries here: www.juanflix.com.ph