rotary short film festival manila 2026 by Rotary Club of Luntiang Maynila Prime
ABOUT THE EVENT

rotary film festival 2026

The Rotary Film Festival Manila 2026, organized by Rotary Club of Luntiang Maynila Prime, is a platform for young and emerging filmmakers to tell powerful stories that spark dialogue, inspire change, and amplify voices often left unheard.

With the theme “Voices for Change,” we aim to highlight films that shed light on pressing social issues, celebrate Filipino creativity, and encourage cinema as a tool for impact.

SHS/COLLEGE

Exclusively for Senior high school and college students

Can be in a form of narrative, documentary or animation (5 mins max)

Vertical psa

Open for all filmmakers, hobbyist, etc

Public Service Announcement video must not exceed 30 seconds.

Must be in vertical format

open category

Open for all filmmakers, hobbyist, etc

Can be in a form of narrative, documentary or animation (3-10 mins max)

theme: Voices for Change

rotary’s 7 areas of focus

Films should highlight or resonate with one or more of Rotary’s focus areas:

1. Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
2. Disease Prevention and Treatment
3. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
4. Maternal and Child Health
5. Basic Education and Literacy
6. Community Economic Development
7. Protecting the Environment

mechanics

requirements

Language: Any Filipino dialect, but must include English or Tagalog subtitles.

Format: MP4, 1080p resolution.

Poster: JPG, A4 size or similar

Original work: The film must be an original creation of the participants.

Films must not contain or promote profanity, excessive violence, discrimination, gore, pornography, or any content that goes against Rotary values and social media community standards.

SCHEDULE

festival timeline

september 2025

early bird submission

Filmmakers may start submitting their short films for FREE.

October
2025

writing workshop

Learn writing with one of the best writers in Philippine Film history. (To be Announced)

december
2025

CINEMATOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

The most prominent cinematography in the Philippines today, shares their techniques in story telling through the lenses. (To be Announced)

february
2026

video editing workshop

Top Filipino post-productions specialists will expose their secrets in creating a digital masterpiece. (To be Announced)

march 1
2026

deadline of submission

judging

criteria

Adherence to Theme (25%) – how well the film reflects and communicates “Voices for Change” in a meaningful and relevant way.

Storytelling & Script (20%) – strength of the narrative, structure, dialogue, and clarity of message.

Visual Storytelling (20%) – cinematography, framing, lighting, and production design that enrich the story.

Editing & Sound (15%) – pacing, rhythm, transitions, sound clarity, music, and sound design.

Direction & Performance (10%) – effectiveness of direction, actor performance, and character portrayal.

Overall Impact (10%) – originality, emotional resonance, timeliness, and relevance to contemporary issues.

Judging will start on March 2026

awards night

Awarding

The grand celebration of creativity, storytelling, and advocacy. On this evening, we honor outstanding films and filmmakers whose works embody the spirit of “Voices for Change.”

04 / 25

2026

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