The 7th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival has come to a resounding close, yet the echoes of inspiration linger in the air.

The remarkable directors — Joel Lamangan, Topel Lee, GB Sampedro, and Kevin Piamonte — who showcased their work, have left us with a powerful message: young filmmakers have the potential to chase their dreams with relentless passion and creativity.

Let us carry their words with us, igniting our own ambitions as we look towards the future of storytelling in cinema.

During the grand launch of the annual film festival, Director Joel encouraged young filmmakers to embrace their creative journeys without fear and to learn from their mistakes.

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And learn from your mistakes. If you make mistakes and continue to make them, you are simply being careless. You should study your mistakes and correct them,” said the award-winning director when asked for advice to student filmmakers.

He added, “I have made many mistakes. But I was not afraid. I made many mistakes, and I am not perfect, but I have learned from them. If you are only scared, nothing will happen. Whatever you think you are going to do, pursue it. See how far you can go.”

In a heartfelt address, Director Joel passionately emphasized the vital responsibility young filmmakers hold in shaping societal narratives. He urged them to recognize their powerful influence as storytellers and the impact their creative visions can have on the world around them.

“You should not be separated from the society to which you belong. You should be part of society and be aware of what is happening around you. Your story is based on the society you belong to. You should be part of that society,” said the director, whose film “Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa” won Best Picture in the filmfest.

GB, director of “Selda Tres,” passionately urged young filmmakers to envision their grandest aspirations, illuminating the idea that every great success is born from the vibrant spark of a dream.

“Don't forget your dreams. Everything starts with dreams. You must continue to strive for success. It is essential that you really have passion. Always remember that not everything beautiful is also beautiful to others. That is up to each individual. We have freedom in taste. What you think is good for you, that's what you pursue. It's hard if you're dependent on what others say. You should be completely committed to what you do and be ready to fight for what you've done,” GB explained.

Kevin, who directed the film “Cande,” spoke passionately about the enchanting power of working hand in hand with their mentors, where sparks of creativity flew and ideas blossomed into something extraordinary. “Do not be afraid to collaborate with your teachers. It's an open field. Young filmmakers should not be scared to voice their opinions.”

However, Topel, who won Best Director for “Jeongbu,” reminded the students to be patient when making films. “They should be patient because sometimes there's really no budget. So please be patient.”

Established by the visionary Wilson Tieng, president of Solar Entertainment, alongside the acclaimed Brillante Mendoza, a Best Director winner at the Cannes International Film Festival, Sinag Maynila is on a heartfelt mission to spotlight stories that resonate deeply with Filipino culture and identity.

This year, the festival proudly upholds its tradition of championing Filipino filmmakers, showcasing an unprecedented surge of submissions from talented artists across the archipelago.

Wilson expressed that the overwhelming enthusiasm from the filmmaking community is the very essence of what Sinag Maynila represents—a vibrant celebration of Filipino storytelling and creativity.

The local movie industry is currently navigating a challenging landscape as it recovers from its recent struggles.

Even though fewer people are attending theaters, filmmakers are working hard to revive the excitement and shared joy of watching movies on the big screen. This experience is important for Filipinos from all walks of life.

The industry harnesses creativity and resilience to revive the magic of cinema. It tells stories that connect with people and inspire them, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds to enjoy shared storytelling.

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)