Sinemaya 2024: Celebrating Creativity and Empowerment Through Community Films

Sinemaya, the first community film festival in the Philippine microfinance sector, launched its 2024 edition on November 23, 2024, through a nationwide simultaneous screening organized by CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) and its multimedia company, BENTE Productions. The festival aims to celebrate creativity within communities while engaging audiences to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

This year’s theme, “A Glimpse of Chín Muồi: Harvesting Dreams and Success Together with Social Development Organizations,” highlights real-life stories inspired by the transformative impact of microfinance and social development initiatives on families and communities.

The festival featured 16 short films created by microfinance and social development organizations across Southeast Asia. These films depicted inspiring journeys of resilience, hope, and empowerment, showing how families achieved their dreams with the support of these organizations. Communities gathered to watch the films at SM Cinemas in Manila, Cebu, and General Santos.

Highlighted entries included A Light in the Shadows by CARD SME Bank, Inc. from Zamboanga; Antipara at Libreta by CARD Mutual Benefits Association, Inc. from Batangas; Escaping Poverty: A Story of a Muong Woman Supported by TYM from Vietnam; Hope in the Tides by Project Dungganon from Negros Occidental; and Seeds of Change by Ekphatana Microfinance Institution from Laos. Other entries came from organizations and locations across the Philippines, Myanmar, and more.

“This program not only celebrates the inspiring life stories of our clients but also fosters creativity and artistic expression within their communities through filmmaking,” said Ms. Marilyn M. Manila, President of BENTE Productions.

Over 1,500 attendees joined the screenings, and another screening is planned in Laguna. Audience votes during these events will decide the People’s Choice Award. The festival will culminate on December 15, 2024, with an awarding ceremony featuring the premiere of CARD MRI’s first indie film, “I Remember You,” which tells the story of a CARD MRI staff member in Boracay, reflecting the organization’s commitment to overcoming life’s challenges.

“For CARD MRI, the film fest is more than a showcase of talent; it’s a platform to unlock the limitless potential of the communities we serve. Their films bring to life their realities and their journey toward empowerment,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip.

BENTE Productions, established in July 2024, leads this initiative as part of its mission to amplify social development advocacy. Through compelling films and series, the company raises awareness and sparks meaningful conversations about poverty eradication.