MANILA, Philippines - “Ang sarap lang maging Letranista!”
This was what 2011 Communication Arts graduate Jancy Nicolas said after Máte, a short film he directed, won the Best Student Short Film Award at the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) New Wave Section during the Gabi ng Parangal (Night of Honor) awarding ceremonies held on Dec. 29 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. Máte bested eight other finalists and tied with “Payaso,” another student short film.
“I really can’t describe what I felt when the presentors announced that MÁTE won Best Student Short Film. It’s beyond words... That is one of my proudest moments as a Letranite. I am proud of the whole team of Máte,” Nicolas said, adding, “We are honored to bring home the first ever MMFF trophy for Letran, and I am certain that it is not going to be the last. Simula pa lang ito. We are lifting all the glory to God and we thank the whole Letran community for the support.”
The New Wave Festival was held on Dec. 17 to 21 at the Robinson’s Galleria Movieworld. Máte was shown regularly throughout the festival, as well as a gala night screening.