Marians Sweep Top Honors at Inaugural CineVizcaya Film Festival
BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — The local cinematic landscape just got a lot brighter, and Saint Mary’s University (SMU) is leading the charge. During the CineVizcaya: 1st Nueva Vizcaya Film Festival Awarding and Filmmakers’ Assembly held at the FTM Building on February 20, 2026, SMU students dominated the
winners’ circle. Veltiono Productions, representing the School of Accountancy and Business, secured the 2nd Best Short Film and Best Actor awards for their entry “Tahan Nan,” earning a total of ₱28,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, the film “Lente” by Sibubukel Productions was recognized as a Festival Finalist and won Best in Editing, showcasing the high-caliber technical skills of students Monard Thom S. Nginsayan, Axle Maersshlee A. Ramos, and Lanz Adrianne Bassig under the mentorship of adviser Sheryl A. Adducul-Baria.
The event, hosted by the Nueva Vizcaya Tourism Office under Marichelle O. Costales, served as the grand culmination of provincial filmmaking workshops and the creative labor of school publications across the region. A major highlight of the assembly was the official organization of the 1st NV Filmmakers Association, where SMU’s Monard Nginsayan was elected as Vice President for Operations, placing a Marian leader at the forefront of the province’s artistic future. Board Member Eunice Gambol-Galima, representing Governor Jose V. Gambito, expressed immense pride in the participants and announced that the top three films, including “Tahan Nan,” will be featured during the 17th Grand Ammungan Festival in May 2026.
This milestone is a significant stride toward SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly Target 8.9, which focuses on promoting local culture and products through creative industries. By empowering students to excel in cinema, SMU is actively contributing to the province’s “creative economy,” providing a professional platform where artistic talent creates sustainable career paths and cultural preservation. This achievement not only celebrates the exceptional talent of Novo Vizcayanos but also ensures that the local film industry becomes a vital driver of economic and cultural vitality for the province.
Written by: Aryan L. Yuzon, Promotions Coordinator, School of Accountancy and Business
Photo by: Valentiono Productions
