For over a decade, local storytellers have found a home in Negros Oriental’s longest-running cinematic gathering. Established in 2013, the Lutas Film Festival continues its mission to platform narratives grounded in regional culture, shared struggles, and lived triumphs.
The festival is now officially accepting submissions for its 12th edition, inviting filmmakers across the Visayas region to bring their distinct perspectives to the screen.
The call is open to both amateur and professional filmmakers currently residing in the Visayas Region.
To qualify, projects must be produced between 2025 and 2026, filmed on location within the Visayas, and narrative in format.
Completed films must run between 5 and 25 minutes. Submissions may be in Cebuano/Binisaya or English, with the use of Binisaya strongly encouraged. All entries require English subtitles.
All music and soundtrack must be original unless proper copyright licensing has been secured. Previous LFF entries are not eligible.
LFF 2026 operates under a single Open Category, granting creators freedom over their chosen subjects and genres. However, organizers encourage restraint regarding explicit violence or sexuality.
Depictions of sensitive topics such as discrimination, violence, or hate speech are strictly prohibited unless presented in a serious, non-glorifying, or ironic context designed to promote deeper critical understanding.
Filmmakers can submit their final cuts and press materials via Google Drive link to lutasfilmfestival@gmail.com. Visual storytellers have until October 12, 2026, to submit their works. Late entries will not be considered, and noncompliance with festival guidelines may result in disqualification.
Selected finalists will be reviewed by a screening committee and notified directly. Representatives of selected films are required to attend the festival’s masterclasses and official activities.
Winners will receive cash prizes, with details to be announced on the official Lutas Film Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lutasfilmfestival
Lutas Film Festival is co-presented by Foundation University. Juliet Cuizon Licaros is the Festival Director of Lutas and the Creative Director of Foundation University.
Seymour B. Sanchez
Seymour Barros Sanchez is an advocacy filmmaker, communication and film lecturer, freelance writer, creative producer, technical consultant, and a former producer for news and current affairs programs. He served as Bacolod Film Festival director in 2024 and Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages of the Film Development Council of the Philippines from 2022 to 2025. He is a member of the Academic Film Society Advisory Committee of the FDCP, a representative of the Education Sector to the National Committee on Cinema Executive Council, and Secretary of the NCC.
