Gian Niño Genoveza, a University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) administrative staff assigned at the Information and Publications Office, bagged three major awards for his short film “Gibwangan” in the 20th Bantayan Film Festival held in Guimbal, Iloilo on 04 April 2024. Genoveza won Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
“Gibwangan recounts the tale of a man who finds himself held captive by anonymous men. In this wilderness, he embarks on a quest to break free from his captors. Despite numerous endeavors, his escape plans falter each time, leaving him ensnared in the dry bed of a river, unable to locate the flowing waters that could lead them back to safety,” the film’s plot states.
“Gibwangan” is Genoveza’s seventh short film. His film “Balhin” won “Second Best Film” and “Best in Trailer” during the 19th Bantayan Film Festival Awards Night held at the Guimbal Amphitheatre last April 13, 2023.
The screenplay for “Gibwangan” was written by Joseph Cartago, Jr., an alumnus of UP High School in Iloilo. The production team KreativShots produced the award-winning film.
