Stories from Negros Occidental continue to find national resonance as Negrense films reach broader audiences. Leading this wave is “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” (In the Soil of Life), a student-led documentary from Talisay City that recently secured a spot at the 6th Oroquieta Film Festival.
Through interviews with agricultural scientists, local farmers, and community leaders, “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” highlights the intersection between traditional land wisdom and modern scientific innovation, advocating for sustainable practices to preserve both soil health and rural livelihoods.
“Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” director Steve Villasor is a fourth-year electrical engineering graduate from the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas whose path in cinema began in 2019 as a production assistant.
Over the years, Villasor expanded his technical capabilities into cinematography, editing, and sound design, contributing as a sound recordist on regional films such as “Walo-Walo,” “Pagcanugcug Ni Canlaon,” “Mananguete,” and “Taga-Taga.”
His directorial work consistently reflects themes of social reality, family dynamics, and community resilience. His directorial debut, “Kakanin” (“Tam-is Ukon Parat?”), earned Best Short Film at CineTUPV 2025.
Villasor balances technical rigor with humanistic storytelling in “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi,” demonstrating a belief that filmmaking requires collective collaboration to uplift local voices.
Last year, “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” emerged as a Top 5 finalist in the 9th Indie-Siyensya competition, out of 120 submissions across the nation, and captured the Best Cinematography award. Produced by a crew of 23 TUPV students under adviser Shallel Billones, the documentary examines the ecological state of Negros Island.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, the Indie-Siyensya Film Festival is the country’s premiere science filmmaking initiative. It encourages filmmakers and researchers to use visual media to communicate complex scientific concepts, agricultural challenges, and environmental solutions to the public.
Following its national run with DOST Indie-Siyensya, “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” moves to Misamis Occidental for the 6th Oroquieta Film Festival, running from October 12 to 15. The festival celebrates independent cinema from the Visayas and Mindanao regions, showcasing a slate of 28 selected short films.
Competing under the festival’s Lumayagan Shorts Competition, “Sa Duta sang Kabuhi” represents Talisay City and Negros Occidental together with fellow Negrense short films “Manami Guid Man Mag **** sa Mansion” and “Those Little Things.” The screening marks another step forward for student filmmakers utilizing cinema not only as art, but as a medium for environmental awareness and agricultural dialogue.
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.
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