By Bryan Realgo, StratCom Correspondent

 
Two films of Mr. Melver Ritz Gomez, filmmaker, and instructor of the Mariano Marcos State University - College of Arts and Sciences, continue to gain recognition in film festivals.

His film, ‘Naisangsangayan a Daga’ (Extraordinary Soil), was cited as the best documentary film in the 25th Gaward PASADO (Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro); while his ‘Karkarma’ won the Gimadyaman Award for Best Film in the 10th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NIFE). Gomez received both awards on September 23.

‘Naisangsangayan a Daga’ features the stories of elderly women in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, continuing the cultural heritage of Ilokano pottery making. This film won in the second Tan-ok ni Ilokano Festival of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and had public screenings in various regional film fests.

'Karkarma' weaves a captivating narrative on the Ilocano legend of Paoay Lake. Recently, this film earned its place in the Next Gen section of Cinemalaya, a festival co-organized by the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The CAS instructor and founder of the Ylocostar Films Pelikula Ilokana said he is elated by the awards, adding, "It's truly an honor to stand alongside the big names in the film industry," he shared. 

PASADO is an organization of school master teachers that reviews and appreciates films as documents and materials for teaching different disciplines. It also recognizes the works of filmmakers, artists, and notable members of the academe who contributed to the promotion of Philippine Cinema and innovations in teaching.

Further, NIFE recognizes new and fresh cinematic works that depict local folks’ culture and uncover local filmmakers’ talents. It is organized by the municipality of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province, and supported by the National Commission on Culture and Arts and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. (JVBT/DPT, StratCom)