Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2024: Here are 9 films to watch this September

The Film Development Council of the Philippines just released the nine official entries in competition at the Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2024.

Now on its seventh edition, the Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival makes a return as part of the FDCP's series of events celebrating Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) this September.

Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2024 will run from September 20 to 22 at Cinema 1, Red Carpet Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong. Here are the nine short films to look forward to!

"Ang Halikan sa Water Fountain" by Clyde Gamale is a "bromance" about two high school boys, Maki and Kaloy. A drunken night together compels Maki and Kaloy to come to terms with their feelings for each other and decide which one they're willing to risk, romance or friendship.

"Arapaap" by Jeffthe Zeus Batondo is a story about friendship and hardship, and follows 12-year-old boys Dong and Carlos as they attempt to build a flying car.

Juvy Ann Clarito's "Sa Ilalum sa Balabal sa Alitaptap (Beneath the Firelfy Veil)" is about a girl, Joy, and the struggles she and her family face after her grandfather is forced to sell their ancestral land to a land grabber named Rommel.

"High Tide or Low Tide?" by Gio Alpuente centers on an 18-year-old closested gay in Mauban, Quezon. The short film traces the highs and lows of his journey in sexuality, love, and heartbreak.

Denbert Tiamson's "If I Were a Voice" tells the story of a gay student leader who reclaims his voice through the power of community.

"Kwitis" by Silver Racca is about Bonbon, who prepares for their class called "Araw ng mga Pangarap." When he is asked what he wants to be when he gets older, he tells people he wants to be dead —  an answer that is based on a tale about kwitis or skyrocket firework.

"Last Shift na ni Jaguar!" by Josam Dalman is about a security guard who works in a pediatric ward. He meets the ghost of a child, which leads to discovery of the horrors that transpired in the hospital.

Vynce Ong's "My Dog Knows All My Secrets" is about a girl who has no one to share her secrets to, except her beloved dog.

The final entry, "Sa Dulo ng Linya" by Gian Arre, follows the story of a young man who finds out that he can communicate to his dead father by way of a tin can telephone.

The official screening schedule of Sine Kabataan Short Film Festival 2024 has yet to be announced by the FDCP, so stay tuned!

The Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival celebrates young Filipino filmmakers (aged 18 to 30 years old) by giving them a platform to showcase their unique visions through short films. Each finalist is given a production grant worth P150,000.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News