(This is the continuation of the letter I wrote to the participating filmmakers of the 1stPeter Solis Nery Foundation International Film Festival or The PSNFIFF which will take place in October. The jury has already chosen a winner. And it’s not a unanimous choice. It’s not even my personal favorite. But I stand by the jury’s decision. And I agree that the film is pretty well done.)
WE ARE so honored to have this set of jurors.
They give our competition prestige.
(And some sort of legitimacy, if that is even needed!)
Personally, I believe that as an independent international film festival, The PSNFIFF is in a league of its own.
We have clearly distinguished ourselves from all other festivals.
And I am so proud that you are with me on this.
*
How we will proceed from hereon will even be more amazing.
I will be in the country next month to award the winner.
Right now, I am in negotiation with the local government of Dumangas.
I am hoping that we can conduct The PSNFIFF screenings during the town’s Haw-as Festival.
I am hoping that we can have the Peter’s Prize awards night on the date I requested.
*
I made it hard for them to refuse us:
I offered a free filmmaking workshop in the morning (with output creation in the afternoon, if possible).
A free poetry workshop in the afternoon.
A literary program and awards ceremony in the evening for public entertainment.
And a film screening, a world premiere, until the late hours of the evening for the world to enjoy.
*
So, yeah, you are all invited to Dumangas, if the town decides to host the 1stPSNFIFF.
You are all invited to stay at my Casa Dom Pedro, but we may all end up sleeping on the floor.
But cover yourself—bring a malong or patadyong!
Or, why sleep when you can party?
We can always have a pamorningan session with other artists and filmmakers
*
I know how waiting, and not knowing, kills us inside.
So, I won’t keep the suspense.
I will write to inform the Peter’s Prize winner, and the “winners in their own right”.
But from here on, let us celebrate our films.
Let us all celebrate our little triumphs.
Promote your films like you have won the prize.
*
Enjoy your moment.
Especially in social media.
Take pride in your posters.
Hashtag it:
#petersprizeforfilm
#thepsnfiff2019
*
We will have screenings at FDCP Cinematheque Iloilo, that’s a promise.
I just don’t know when.
I mean, I’m waiting for Dumangas.
I mean, I want to give Dumangas the honor of the world premiere if they host us.
*
We are also making a DVD of the 19 entries.
And hopefully, we can tour this around schools.
57 minutes for all of the 19 entries.
A few frames of the posters.
Probably a reprise of the winning film at the end.
For an hour and five minutes, we have something we can show for the life we lived in 2019.
Tatanda at lilipas din kayo, ngunit may peliculang iiwan sa alaala!
*
I request that you refrain from posting your films online yet.
But you can choose to ignore me.
I just feel that I can do more to promote your film at this time.
And I want us to celebrate The PSNFIFF.
Because you and the jurors made the first PSNIFF.
Now, let our audiences find us.
*
Let us generate buzz.
Let them request for us to show our films.
If I cannot do something great with your films before Christmas, then go ahead and release your babies.
I mean, I totally understand if you feel that since you didn’t win, you should just post your work online.
I get that.
Been there, done that.
*
But you are the 1stPSNFIFF.
You are part of history.
I think you should get more of something for it.
And I am trying to do everything I can to deliver my vision.
To be honest, this is the most expensive, and most exhausting of the Peter’s Prize competitions so far.
But your output is so inspiring.
I cannot understand why I am so blessed with your trust and confidence.
*
I am praying that we will find sponsors and benefactors so that more prizes can be given next year.
I am praying that the Dumangas LGU will adopt The PSNFIFF.
Thank you again for your support and participation.
We aren’t done yet.
But I feel that we have already won.
*
I won.
You won.
The ultimate prize-winner won.
The jury won.
The PSNFIFF won.
Independent filmmaking won.
*
And when I release the films, the public wins.
We are all winners.
We are all heroes.
There’s only one Peter’s Prize winner, but there are many winners.
We are all winners.
If you feel you didn’t win, get out of here!
With The Peter Solis Nery Foundation, you are family.
You are my family!
And we are a family of winners. (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
