Films for Peace: A Short Film Competition for Change

Submission of Entries from March 01 to June 16, 2025

films for peace | short film competition

A Movement Towards Peace

Films for Peace is more than just a competition—it’s a movement. Launched in 2024 by the Film Development Council of the Philippines as part of the 4th Philippine Film Industry Month, this program believes in cinema's power to spark conversations. It aims to bridge differences and inspire a deeper understanding of peace, which is the foundation of a truly progressive nation.

Through storytelling, Films for Peace seeks to unite voices from every corner of the Philippines. The program celebrates every language and culture, demonstrating that despite our differences, we are one people. As Filipinos, we embrace the values of understanding, inclusivity, and compassion. There is no better medium to share this message than through film.

Mission and Vision

This competition is not just a one-time event. It is an ongoing mission to:

• Celebrate Unity in Diversity: We embrace the rich cultures and subcultures that shape our national identity.

• Use Film as a Catalyst for Peace: Films highlight how peace paves the way for growth, progress, and shared prosperity.

• Show the Impact of War: It sheds light on the pain and destruction war brings on local, national, and global levels.

  
  

• Encourage Empathy and Inclusivity: We aim to transcend tolerance and foster true human connection.

• Cultivate Meaningful Dialogue: The initiative inspires deep reflection on building and sustaining peace.

  
  

• Prove the Power of Cinema: Engaging audiences, films stir emotions that lead to action.

  
  

Prizes: The competition offers significant prizes, including:

• Grand Prize: PHP 500,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Second Prize: PHP 250,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Third Prize: PHP 100,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Finalist Award: PHP 50,000.00 (gross), plus a certificate

  
  

If you believe in the power of storytelling to heal, unite, and inspire change, this is your stage. Let your voice be heard, your vision be seen, and your film be a force for peace. Are you ready to tell a story that can make a difference?

How to Participate

Join Films for Peace and let your film be part of something bigger. Here are the guidelines to ensure your submission meets all requirements.

Eligible Projects, Format, and Theme

The Films For Peace Competition is a short film competition open to all Filipino citizens, regardless of their location or age. This includes students, amateurs, semi-professionals, and professionals. However, employees and contractual workers of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, as well as their immediate relatives, are disqualified from participating.

Short Films Must Be:

1. Any of the following formats:

• Short narrative feature

• Documentary

• Animation

• Mixed media




2. In any Philippine language, dialect, or English. English subtitles are required for wide release in cinemas and on streaming platforms.

   
   

3. Running time of:

• Not less than twelve (12) minutes but not exceeding twenty (20) minutes, which includes opening billboard (OBB) and closing credits/closing billboard (CBB).




4. To verify film creation between March 1 and June 16, 2025, submit a Google Drive link containing any two of the following:

• BTS photos with timestamps (3-5 photos)

• Unedited raw footage (1-2 min) with visible file metadata, including the recording date

• A production log (signed by the director/producer)

• Receipts/rental agreements (dated within the production period)

• Call sheets (with shoot dates)




5. Films must premiere at the Films for Peace Competition. These films should not have been previously screened or participated in any other local or international festivals, including those organized by schools, universities, or film organizations.

   
   

6. Resolution of at least 1920x1080 (Full HD) is required.

   
   

7. Accepted formats include MP4 and MOV.

   
   

8. Music must be royalty-free or properly licensed.

   
   

9. The films must carry the following themes:

• The importance of peace

• The need for inclusivity

• The respect for diversity

• Celebration of being Filipino as a people and citizens of the world

Filmmakers can interpret the underlying theme in any manner deemed substantial for expressing their voice as cinematic artists.

For complete guidelines, please visit: FDCP Films for Peace

National Registry for Audiovisual Workers

To register, please check here: FDCP National Registry

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