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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Malabon film festival showcases youth creativity and community pride

Malabon film festival showcases youth creativity and community pride

Published Jun 23, 2026 10:45 am
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval expressed support for young Malabueño filmmakers who showcased their creativity and storytelling skills during the Ahon Kabataan Film Festival.
Young Malabueño filmmakers receive certificates and recognition during the Ahon Kabataan Film Festival, which highlighted Malabon’s journey from municipality to cityhood. (Photos from Malabon LGU)
Young Malabueño filmmakers receive certificates and recognition during the Ahon Kabataan Film Festival, which highlighted Malabon’s journey from municipality to cityhood. (Photos from Malabon LGU)
The festival, themed “1998 to Present: The Vision and Legacy from Municipality to Cityhood and Beyond,” highlighted Malabon’s journey from being a municipality to becoming a city, as well as the culture, identity, resilience, and aspirations of its people.
The event was organized by Ahon Kabataan as part of its third anniversary celebration, with support from the city government. It also formed part of Malabon’s celebration of its 25th Cityhood Anniversary.
The festival featured 10 original short films created by young Malabueño filmmakers and creative teams.
The entries tackled themes of hope, resilience, identity, community, personal aspirations, and the developments that followed Malabon’s cityhood under Republic Act No. 9019, or the Malabon City Charter.
The competing films were “Dalaga na si Clara,” “Umahon,” “Mula Kahapon, Hanggang Pag-Ahon,” “Liham sa Pagitan ng Panahon,” “Sikhay,” “Guryon,” “Bakas: Sa Bawat Pagsubok, May Pag-Ahon,” “Saksi ang Alon,” “Agos ng Liham: Mga Titik sa Ilalim ng Baha,” and “Paglaki ko, Gusto kong Maging…”
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval delivers her message during the Ahon Kabataan Film Festival awarding ceremony at Malabon National High School. (Photo from Malabon LGU)
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval delivers her message during the Ahon Kabataan Film Festival awarding ceremony at Malabon National High School. (Photo from Malabon LGU)
Sandoval commended the participants for using film as a platform to tell meaningful stories and inspire positive change in the city.
“Ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating mga kabataang Malabueño na patuloy na nagpapakita ng kanilang talento, pagkamalikhain, at malasakit sa komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pelikula (We are proud of our young Malabueños who continue to show their talent, creativity, and concern for the community through film),” she said 
“The Ahon Kabataan Film Festival is proof that the youth have an important voice and the ability to inspire and bring positive change to our city,” Sandoval added. 
The entries were evaluated on June 6 by a panel of judges based on story, relevance to the theme, creativity, originality, technical quality, audience impact, and social media votes.
The festival culminated in an awarding ceremony at Malabon National High School on Sunday, June 21, where honors were presented for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, Best Film Poster, the Ahon Kabataan Award, and the People’s Choice Award.
The mayor also said the city government will continue supporting programs that nurture creativity, develop skills, and provide opportunities for young people to excel in the arts and other fields.
The event also fostered collaboration, learning, and appreciation for the growing film culture among Malabueño youth.

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