Written by Renz Basyag and Steve Emanuel Coyugan (STELA)
The University of Baguio’s BA Communication students have once again proven the power and responsibility of storytelling, earning 1st place as the winning Best Film at the Department of Agrarian Reform – Cordillera Administrative Region’s (DAR-CAR) PelikulAgraryo 2025 Film Festival for their compelling short film, Uma.
Launched in 2025, PelikulAgraryo is a regional short-film festival showcasing the inspirational journeys of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs). These are individuals and organizations who were granted land ownership or those who have received a share of the fruits of the land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), consisting of landless farmers and farmhands. Moreover, PelikulAgraryo is held under the department’s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT), which aims to hasten the subdivision of collective land titles, granting agrarian reform beneficiaries individual land ownership and greater ownership over their property.
Centered on the theme, “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo” (Harvest of Dreams: Stories of Hope and Success in Agrarian Reform), the event featured three original film productions; the University of Baguio The Mediatrix Society’s “Uma” went up against the University of the Cordilleras Visualize and Create’s “Alingaw-ngaw” for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) category whilst one other film by the latter titled “Bamboo Office” was the lone entry for the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBO) category.
Uma takes audiences deep into the lives of a couple bound not only by love, but by the land they inherited. Inspired by the real-life agrarian reform beneficiaries and farmers Maxima Dontogan-Kigas and Jimmy Kigas, the film takes us through their journey of resilience and tenacity. The University of Baguio BA Communication students highlighted the couple’s deep connection to their land they inherited, along with their aspirations for its future and the family they hope to build.
When Uma was announced as the Best Film, the venue erupted in thunderous applause. The cast and crew’s reactions – an outpour of screams, tears, and embraces – spoke volumes. For them, the recognition and the win were more than just trophies, plaques, or certificates. It was a validation that the story they chose to tell resonated not only with the panel of judges but also with every guest present that day.
By the end of the successful event, on top of having won Best Film, the team behind Uma walked away with five (5) special awards: Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Poster. Their director, Vander B. Bañas, was also awarded Best Director for his leadership, dedication, and hard work – an achievement that not only celebrates the team’s talents and commitment, but also solidifies the University of Baguio’s presence as a strong voice through student-led storytelling.
“It was a team effort,” said director Vander Bañas, currently a 2nd Year BA Communication student, still teary-eyed from the monumental win.
At its heart, Uma and its team reflect the struggles and successes of the beneficiaries it is based on. PelikulAgraryo 2025 is more than just a competition; it is a platform for amplifying the voices of those who till the land, many of whom remain unseen by mainstream media. Through Uma, the University of Baguio’s BA Communication students have shown the responsibility of filmmaking as a bridge between inspiring local narratives and a wider, broader audience. It is a celebration of farmers, heritage, and the art of filmmaking.
As the credits roll on their victory, one thing remains certain: the story of Uma, of Maxima and Jimmy, will continue to honor and stand as tribute to the farmers whose lives inspire change, the heritage that shapes communities, and the art of filmmaking as a vessel into bringing these narratives to life.
Para Kay Jimmy at Maxima
Para sa ating mga Magsasaka
Para sa Pelikulang Pilipino
