Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The spirit of Negros Island burned brighter than ever on June 20, 2026, as the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall played host to a night of cinematic glory. The 9th Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival reached its dramatic climax, turning the spotlight on the storytellers who have captured the soul of the region through the lens.
Following a series of evocative screenings held at the Cinematheque Centre Negros back in December 2025, the jury has finally spoken, setting a new bar for regional filmmaking.
The Titans of the Open Competition
In the highly contested Open Competition, one name echoed through the halls: Babaye sa Bubon. Securing the coveted Best Film award and a P30,000 cash prize, the production dominated the evening. The film’s victory was a total sweep of creative excellence, anchored by:
Best Director: Ginboy Bataclit
Best Actress: Jonah Sabijon
Best Sound Design: Ry Cortez and Wenny Lord Bacabac
Not far behind, the hauntingly poignant Pagdumdom claimed the Jury Prize and a P20,000 cash award, alongside technical accolades for Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Jing Torrecampo), and Best Actor (Jessiah Makilan).
The technical mastery of other standout films was also rightfully honored, with Hilum sweeping through Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Original Song, while Snatcher struck a chord with the public to take home the People’s Choice Award.
The Rise of Student Cinema
The next generation of Negrense auteurs proved they are ready for the spotlight, with Kundoktor emerging as the champion of the Inter-School Category. Taking home the Best Film title and P20,000, the project was a crowning achievement for director Joshua Pastora, who also walked away with trophies for Best Director and Best Screenplay.
The student category was a battleground of raw talent:
Jury Prize Winner: Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i, which also celebrated Best Actor Paco Gloria and Best Production Design by Kyle David Ebro.
Technical Powerhouse: Gugma sa Balod proved unstoppable, securing wins in Cinematography, Editing, Musical Score, Sound Design, and Original Song.
Acting Excellence: Beyond the main winners, Wilma Larrazabal (Isa Ka Higayon) earned Best Actress, while fourth Dillomes (Isa Ka Higayon) and Jing Torrecampo (Gugma sa Balod) were recognized for their commanding supporting performances.
A Call to Aspiring Storytellers
The ceremony was marked by an inspirational address from Butch Ibañez, Chief Content Officer of Solar Studios, Inc. Speaking to a room filled with the future of Philippine cinema, Ibañez urged attendees to marry their pursuit of technical excellence with an unwavering commitment to their cultural roots and unique creative voices.
As the 9th edition of the festival draws to a close, the success of the event remains a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the provincial leadership of Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” V. Lacson.
The Sine Negrense Film Festival has once again proven that the heartbeat of Negros Island is loud, vibrant, and ready for the world stage.
9th Sine Negrense: Key Winners at a Glance
Category Best Film Jury Prize People's Choice
Open Competition Babaye sa Bubon Pagdumdom Snatcher
Inter-School Kundoktor Ngaa Tugnaw ang Gab-i Libod Para sa Handum
What do you think is the most exciting trend in regional storytelling today, and how do you think festivals like Sine Negrense are shaping that future?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
