Cover A still from ‘Sulayman’ short film, which won at the Pensacon Short Film Festival 2024 and the FantaSci Short Film Festival
A still from ‘Sulayman’ short film, which won at the Pensacon Short Film Festival 2024 and the FantaSci Short Film Festival
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This Filipino animated short film was recognised in two Florida-based film festivals—an achievement apt for this year’s annual National Heritage Month celebrations
Created by Tuldok Animation Studios, the eight-minute animated short film won Best Animated Film at the Pensacon Short Film Festival 2024 and Best Animation: Traditional award at the FantaSci Short Film Festival. Written and directed by Nelson “Blog” Caliguia, Jr—renowned animation artist and filmmaker—Sulayman was based on a Maguindanaoan legend that tackles the theme of heroic sacrifices. In the film, the titular character uses his warrior skills, compassion, and dedication to fight off the elements that disrupt the peace in his hometown.
More from Tatler: Passing down the magic one generation at a time: A review of Ballet Manila’s ‘Tatlong Kuwento ni Lola Basyang’
Above Tuldok Animation Studios’ ‘Sulayman’
Tuldok Animation Studios’ ‘Sulayman’
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The animation was funded by the Innovation Grant Programme of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, an initiative the CCP Board of Trustees started in response to the global crisis affecting the creative industry during the pandemic. “It is a big honour working for one of the major cultural institutions in the country. It is a feather on our cap to work with the CCP,” says Caliguia.
As a Filipino creative, being able to partner with the CCP was a source of inspiration and motivation to make his visions a reality. He and his team had to condense the folktale’s story into a short film without losing its cultural significance. “One of the things I thought about is the technical requirements. Because I need to fit the story within a manageable timeframe and the resources available,” shares Caliguia.
Read also: Why your kids need to watch “Heneral Tuna”, a show about Filipino core values
Above Sulayman bagged Best Animated Film Award in the PENSACON Short Film Festival
Sulayman bagged Best Animated Film Award in the PENSACON Short Film Festival
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While his previous works, such as Mutya, have garnered many awards from local animation festivals and have been screened internationally, Pensacon’s Best Animated Film award is his first international award. This win gives Caliguia hope for future animators, wishing to inspire them to make their content rooted in Philippine culture and help spread awareness of original Filipino animation. “We need to spotlight locally paid animation projects made by actual homegrown Filipino artists,” quips Caliguia.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
