Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, iACADEMY—a premier institution under STI Holdings known for its niche college courses—proudly launches the second edition of the iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab. This initiative continues its mission to empower filmmakers with regional backgrounds and concepts rooted in indigenous and regional topics, offering a platform to bring these projects to life. The program is presented in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines (DGPI), underscoring the shared commitment to fostering film education and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.

“The first edition counts newly minted award-winners among its mentees,” said Raquel Perez Wong, iACADEMY President and COO. “These include Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, co-directors of Tumandok—winner at Cinemalaya 2024—and iACADEMY’s own Cedrick Labadia, whose film Threefor100 won ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Picture’ at the Manila Film Festival and represented the Philippines at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. Additionally, Kydylee Torato, a recipient of the iNDIEGENIUS finalist grant, premiered her film Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, earning accolades and gaining international exposure.”

Wong added, “iNDIEGENIUS aims to empower aspiring filmmakers by providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive. By nurturing these creative voices, we contribute to a vibrant and diverse cinematic landscape. This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to foster talent and support innovative storytelling.”

The second edition of iNDIEGENIUS will focus on filmmakers aged 18 to 35. In addition to the 10 projects competing for two ₱500,000 production grants, the program has expanded its scholar slots from two to ten. Scholars, while not yet ready for production, will benefit from workshops and mentorship to advance their projects.

“This expansion means that up to 20 projects in development will benefit from the project lab,” said Keith Sicat, iACADEMY’s Creative Director and iNDIEGENIUS Program Director. “Last year’s scholars, Cedrick Labadia and Sophia Velonza, had transformative experiences at the Busan International Film Festival—one with their iNDIEGENIUS-developed film and the other through Platform Busan, its educational arm.”

Highlights from the kick-off include inspiring speeches from esteemed speakers such as National Artist Ricky Lee and iACADEMY President Raquel Perez-Wong, the screening of remarkable short films like Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin by Kydylee Torato, and the engaging Q&A session with notable industry professionals.

Submission Details:

• Applications are open until January 27, 2025, at https://indiegenius.iacademy.edu.ph.
• iNDIEGENIUS will select 10 finalist projects and
• 10 scholars, all of whom will undergo intensive workshops.
• Two projects will be awarded production grants during the program.

About iACADEMY: iACADEMY offers Senior High School and College programs focused on Computing, Business, and Design. With campuses in Makati and Cebu, iACADEMY is dedicated to producing industry-ready graduates. For more information, visit www.iacademy.edu.ph.