His visionary short documentary films about Filipino youth empowerment, faith, and advocacy to the environment has made Pinoy filmmaker, Herwin Cabasal, a strong contender in the Possible Futures Film Contest, a global film contest based in San Francisco, California that aims to “reveal visions of a positive future.”
With 317 entry films from 44 countries, the competition permits its contestants to submit as much as four films—one in each category of “Peace and Freedom, Fair Societies, Sustainability and Beyond, and Human Fulfilment.”
In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Herwin disclosed how “overwhelmed” he was when he learned that four of the short films he made passed as official entries to the Possible Future Film contest. With an average running time of five minutes each, Herwin’s four entry films namely: Stewards, Tactics, Starfish and Pledge beautifully highlighted the possibilities of a better Philippines in the future.
Herwin shared with Asian Journal that it was his idea to make the film in a reality-based format so the viewers can relate to what they will see and envision its positive results in the future.
Falling under the category of Sustainability and Beyond was the film Stewards, which Herwin described as “a simple act and yet has huge impact to our Mother Nature.”
In the Peace and Freedom category was Henry’s entry film, Tactics, where soldiers wore uniforms not to engage into war; but to teach the youth some tactics and team building skills that they need in order to build a “free and peaceful nation.”
The film Starfish, falls under the category of Human Fulfillment. In this picture, a young service leader shares her vision on how youth empowerment can greatly contribute to the society in the future.
What seemed to be the most controversial was that of Henry’s entry in the Fair Societies category, entitled Pledge. This film opened the eyes of people from all over the world on how far a Pinoy Catholic devotee can go when it comes to professing his faith—even if it meant literally being nailed to the cross as Jesus Christ did.
While acknowledging the help of other people who provided the logistics, sounds, and visual designs of the short films, Herwin---being the multi-tasker that he was---solely directed, edited, and photographed all his entries to the Possible Futures Film Contest.
“I find it hard of course to do most of the tough jobs in completing the films. But I enjoy it a lot when I know that every time I do that, I always learn something new. Ok, this must be all part of practicing and training myself.”
At 25, Herwin had already accomplished so much. After graduating cum laude in Mass Communications at Centro Escolar University (CEU) in Malolos, Bulacan, Herwin was directly hired by ABS-CBN as Production Assistant to several popular Kapamilya shows then like Wowowee, Kapamilya Deal or No Deal, and Wheel of Fortune, among others. He then worked his way up as a segment producer of the game show, The Price is Right, which is hosted by Ms. Kris Aquino.
Owing much of his experience in media production to his Alma Mater, Herwin said during the interview that it made him happy whenever he saw his audiences enjoying a short film that he has done. For him, films are great mediums for inspiring people.
A proud Bulakeño, Herwin became the Unit Head of Media Productions of Hagonoy Young Leaders Program (HYLEAP), which is a non-profit youth oriented organization that promotes servant-leadership among its members. It was through HYLEAP that Herwin considered the endless possibilities in media production.
“In some points of our lives, a time must come that all of us should determine our own purpose—a kind of purpose that reflects your God-given skills and talents and the mission of your existence,” Herwin shared.
This he showed by initiating the Imahegonoenyo Film Festival, a community film screening that tours different barangays or villages as well as schools to show films that inspire the viewers to be agents of change.
“I want to tell the world that anyone of us can make a difference. It does not need to be something huge or popular. As long as you are passionate about what you are doing, and you do it for the positive benefits of others, I think this world will be a better place, not just in the future, but now.”
From the Imahegonoenyo, Herwin ventured into his own production company callled PrimePraxis Media Arts, a non-profit volunteer-based production house that produces short films, AVPs, PSA, and photography services. Believing that learning is a life-long process, Herwin also took additional courses in Motion Picture Production Program at the Asia Pacific Film Institute.
With his works being strong contenders in the Possible Futures Film Contest, Herwin said he already felt like a winner. The young filmmaker, however, hopes to reach out more to a wider audience and make a difference through his works to Filipinos around the world. Feeling optimistic, Herwin said he plans to search for more contests like the Possible Futures where he can showcase true Filipino talent.
Herwin invites his kababayans to go and check out his works at: http://possiblefuturesfilmcontest.org/watch-vote/about-this-filmmaker/?id=129. He also said that “your votes can be a great help to make it to the contest and show the world what a true Filipino is. You can also share them to anyone so they can vote too. I hope I can inspire you in my own little way.”
Voting ends on July 19.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE July 15-21, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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