Sine Negrense 2024 Winners Announced

The vibrant spirit of Negros Island cinema shone brightly on December 6, 2024, at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central Activity Center, as the Sine Negrense Film Festival concluded with a grand Awards Night. Celebrating the creativity and dedication of local filmmakers, the evening honored exceptional talent across both the Open and Inter-School Categories, drawing applause from a captivated audience.

In the Open Category, “ANINAW” emerged as the biggest winner, clinching Best Film, Best Director (Charlene Mae Tupas), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Poster, and Best Actor. “THELM ME WHY” garnered the Jury’s Choice for Best Film, along with nods for Best Production Design, Best Supporting Actress (Mary June Ambino), and Best Actress (Mary Jane Quilisadio). Audience-favorite “TAGANA” also triumphed, winning the Audience Choice Award, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Song for “Dili na ta pwede.”

In the Inter-School Category, “TINIGOM” dominated with wins in Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Editing, while also claiming the Audience Impact Award for Most Engaging Trailer and Best Original Song for “Padayon lang ta.” “HUNI SANG KAHILUM”, the Jury’s Choice for Best Film, showcased stunning performances, with Mary June Ambino winning Best Actress.

Sine Negrense 2024 made history by spotlighting 16 female directors across its Main and Exhibition Sections, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and gender representation in the cinematic arts.

A distinguished panel of judges, including Tito Valiente, Jonathan Jurilla, and Julius Dela Peña for the Open Category, and Jag Garcia, Poli Gonzales, and Myish Endonila for the Inter-School Category, evaluated this year’s impressive 24 film entries—12 from each category.

The success of Sine Negrense 2024 was made possible through partnerships with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, The Negros Cultural Foundation and others. Key sponsors like Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Negros Season of Culture, Park Inn by Radissions -Bacolod and PAGCOR ensured the festival’s continued support for the local film industry.