Another Pinoy talent is recognized internationally this year as the Filipino short film ‘NENA’ was awarded “Best Short Film” in Japan Indies Festival 2021.

The producer, writer and director of Nena shared their experience of creating the award-winning Filipino short film, during their interview with The Lookout PH.

“Sinulat ko siya mga dalawang linggo – medyo rushed ‘tong NENA actually,” writer and director Donie Ordiales said.

Director Donie also talked about the criticism they received as they produced the short film. “Of course may mga taong sasabihin na “poverty porn”. Well they can say whatever they want. But this story is happening,” the director said.

It’s really happening

The director also shared that some of the extras were literally eating “pagpag” in real life. “Pero ‘yong pinakain naman sa kanila [during the shoot], hindi pagpag ‘yon. Pero ‘yong mga tao na ‘yon – that’s the neighborhood. It’s really happening.”

“Gawin natin. Kaya ‘to!” Producer Ravien Bracero said as he shared how he got excited to produce the short film after reading the script.

During the interview. The creators also shared some relevant tips about short filmmaking for the aspiring and young filmmakers in the Philippines.

“Research. Research munang mabuti para malaman mo kung ano ang gagastusin sa pelikula,” Ravien said when asked about the things every aspiring filmmaker should know when producing a short film.

“Ang laking tulong din nung sponsorships, or x-deals [in producing a short film]. Minsan puhunan mo lang talaga ay laway, kung magaling ka makipag-negotiate, makukuha mo lang ‘yan ng libre.” he added.

When asked what important things to remember when pitching a concept to every producer and grant-giving bodies, the producer said “dapat ma-engganyo mo ‘yong potential investor mo. And tingnan mo yung script mo kung sakto ba do’n sa price range na ibibigay mo.”

Ravien also explained how important it is that your actors and crew have the same passion as you have.

Keep on making movies

Director Donie also shared his piece of advice to every aspiring filmmaker in the country.

“Keep on making movies. It doesn’t matter kung maliit ‘yan o malaki,” said the director. “Lalo na sa panahon ngayon, ang dami nang ways e [to produce a film]. There’s so many ways to distribute your projects.”

“And ngayon hindi lang featured film [ang uso]. Ang uso na ngayon is mini series, drama series,” he added.

NENA follows a story of a 12 year-old girl who is kidnapped by a bugaw (who is played by the Filipino veteran actor Ian De Leon) who plans to sell her to a sex tourist. NENA short film unveils the challenges and struggles of people living in the poor area in the Philippines, and the ugly truth of sex trafficking in the country.