A scene from the short film “As The Moth Flies.” Image: “As The Moth Flies'” official website
“As The Moth Flies,” a short film that tells the story of a woman’s relationship with her mentally ill partner, emerged as the biggest winner of the inaugural FAMAS Short Film Festival with three plums, including Best Picture.
The Gayle Oblea-helmed flick was among the short films recognized at the FAMAS Short Film Festival awards night at the Music Museum in San Juan on Saturday, May 10.
In her acceptance speech, Oblea said the creation of “As The Moth Flies” was a moment of facing “every buried fear, every unspoken wound, [and] every inner demon,” which eventually led its team to a newfound purpose.”
“This film is not just a story. It’s a bridge. A bridge for those who suffer in silence, and for those who’ve never understood what that silence feels like. Because cinema has the power to do what words alone cannot — it makes people feel. This award is not just a celebration. It’s a responsibility,” she said.
“A reminder that storytelling is a calling — and that films shouldn’t just be made to entertain… Getting this award, we promise to continue to create films that make people feel. Because feeling is where understanding begins. And understanding is where the stigma ends,” Oblea continued.
Here is the full list of winners:
Best Picture: “As The Moth Flies”
Best Actress: Mina Cruz for “As The Moth Flies”
Best Actor: Soliman Cruz for “Ang Huling Liham”
Best Child Performer/Actor: Earl Quintana for “Parapo”
Best Director: Jhonny Bobier for “Parapo”
Best Screenplay: “Kita Mo ‘To”
Best Cinematography: “Parapo”
Best Editing: “As The Moth Flies”
Best Music & Sound Design: “Kiyaw”
Best Production Design: “One Day, Three Autumns”
Best Advocacy Film:
“Hello, Mr. Jenkins”
“Benepisyo”
Best Regional Film: “Pagtaghoy sa Hangin”
Best Documentary Film: “No Man Left Behind”
Best Student Film: “Kiyaw”