Besting 15 other entries from the university’s different colleges and campuses, the College of Arts and Sciences bagged the top award in the 3rd Sulong Film Festival held at the University Cultural Center on Day 1 of the University Week celebration, Jan. 27, 2026.

Tribu Adlaw’s winning entry, Amar, sent chills and goosebumps through the audience as it used elements of folklore and suspense to tackle the social issue of injustice, leaving a strong impression on viewers during the festival screening.

A total of 15 short films from various colleges and campuses competed in the festival, showcasing diverse narratives and filmmaking styles. Entries included SIDLAK 1896 (WVSU Pototan); LFR – Looking for Raffy (COC); Joy Loves Hope (CBM); Dahang Liwanag (CAF); Ang Kabug-at sang Aton Tinion (COM); Sketch Badge (Lambunao Campus); Dagaang (COE); Duwa ka Bilog (CICT); Paghiyom (Janiuay Campus); Lulan sa Pangandoy (Himamaylan Campus); Across the Universe(s) (CON); Amar (CAS); When the Moon Calls (COP); Pasubli (Calinog Campus); and Iwag sa Kahilum (COD).

In the awards night, the College of Communication (COC) entry dominated several minor awards, winning Best Poster, Best Teaser Video, Best Editing, and Best Screenplay. The College of Medicine (COM) received a Special Jury Citation. Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) secured Best Musical Score and Sound Design, Best Performance in a Leading Role through Dick Mathew Montano, Best Director for Timothy James Sampang, and Best Picture.

In the major awards, the College of Nursing (CON) placed fifth, followed by the College of Education (COE) in fourth place, the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) in third, the College of Communication (COC) in second, and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) emerging as the overall champion.

In an interview with Daniel de la Cruz, award-winning director, and judge, he noted that this year’s Sulong Film Festival highlighted what it truly means to be Taga-West, with films that inspire, bring joy, and challenge broken systems affecting communities, adding that despite limited resources, the entries reflected the passion, resilience, and bold imagination of WVSU student filmmakers.

He also reminded student filmmakers that their stories have the power to move and shape perspectives, encouraging them to keep creating with intention and confidence, and to share regional narratives boldly as an essential part of Philippine cinema.

“Your stories make people feel seen, heard, and moved; that’s how powerful they are. They shape how others see the world. Platforms like the Sulong Film Festival exist because they believe in the power of your voice. So keep creating, keep learning, and keep lifting each other up, because we can only build a stronger community together. Your stories from the community are part of a bigger Filipino narrative, regional cinema is Philippine cinema, so don’t be afraid to share them boldly and proudly,” de la Cruz said.

Sulong Film Festival, now in its third year on the University Days roster of events, provides a platform for student-made short films not just as entries, but a form of expression for youth perspectives, social realities, creative risks converged, and meaningful storytelling within and beyond the university, underscoring the importance of student cinema as an avenue for dialogue and illumination.

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2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-up by Gierson Bordon, The Mediator
Photos by Matthew Immanuel Sayman, The Mediator