Wanted: Young filmmaker
Now more than ever, we must make an effort to make the world a better place. In today’s world, the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact. The sixth edition of the annual vertical filmmaking competition by the coffee brand Nespresso, which kicked off recently, goes by this same sentiment.
The theme for this year is “Doing is Everything,” which aims to remind everyone that despite the difficult reality we are currently faced with, action—whether big or small—can create a positive change in the lives of many. Filmmakers are encouraged to showcase their talent through this global event that challenges them to produce a short film.
“The brand is more than just good coffee—it’s an advocacy to impact the world positively through our platforms. Film is yet another channel to further our commitment to sustainability,” says business development manager of Nespresso Southeast Asia, Fabio De Gregorio.
Meanwhile, Patrick Pesengco, the co-founder and managing director of Novateur Coffee Concepts, the exclusive retailer of Nespresso in the Philippines, explains that another goal of the advocacy is to spread awareness on the ripple effect of human actions and innate responsibility toward nature and other people. “For over 30 years, Nespresso has been building a holistic business model that preserves exceptional coffee, supports coffee agriculture, and ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers,” says the entrepreneur. “This same narrative of helping others is what we want to get across through Nespresso Talents.”
Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) are returning partners. Contest categories are split from national and international. All entries competing nationally will automatically qualify for the international category. A local jury will select the top three locally produced films.
This year, the jurors of the Philippine selection are acclaimed actress, award-winning screenplay writer, bestselling author, film producer, and director Bela Padilla; award-winning director, screenwriter, and author Joey Javier Reyes; multi-awarded filmmaker Quark Henares; as well as Fabio and Patrick. Famous director, screenwriter, and producer Pepe Diokno, together with screenwriter and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) Film Department scriptwriting teacher Wanggo Gallaga, conducted vertical filmmaking workshops.
“‘Doing is everything,’ to me, means that at the end of the day your intentions don’t matter, your talent doesn't matter; what matters is rolling up your shirt sleeves and getting to work. In this industry—or in anything in this world—you have to walk the talk,” says Wanggo. “Go out there and make work, submit to festivals and competitions, send pitches, make connections, and don’t stop.”
A big believer in student and amateur cinema, Quark is convinced that Nespresso Talents 2021 is a good venue for finding and fostering new talent. “It’s always great seeing what the next generation of filmmakers can do, or are up to,” he says. “In a world run by video platforms like Youtube, Tik Tok, and Instagram, it would be interesting to see how the innate filmmaking capability in young creators these days will surface.”
Direk Joey, a returning juror from the previous year, affirms this and shares that what makes the craft of filmmaking “awesome” is the constant flux and change. “It is always a joy and a learning experience to see the vision of the young filmmakers and how they are part of the evolution of film language.”
As a young talent herself, Bela shares that the pandemic has given her a sense of belonging to a community, thanks to the people who have kept her afloat. She points out that through moviemaking, anyone can also make others feel like they belong. Moreover, Bela wants to see what the filmmakers who are joining consider essential. “Frames and minutes should capture now what is most important,” she adds. “I want to witness how this global pandemic did or did not affect our future filmmakers.”
Only one entry per participant may be submitted on the Nespresso Talents website. Submissions should be in vertical format (9:16), with the film length between two minutes and three minutes maximum. All genres are welcome in the form of fiction, documentary, or animation. Submissions will close on May 16. The shortlisted films for both international and local categories will be live on the website by mid-June followed by the awarding ceremonies in July.
he local category will award three winners. The first, second, and third selected talents will take home a cash prize of €1,500, €1,000, €500 respectively. All three winners will also receive a Nespresso machine, along with complimentary capsules, on top of a well-deserved trophy.
Showcase your talent. Be seen. Because in times of great crisis, doing is everything.
www.nespresso.com/talents/ph/en/contest