You're in for a treat this weekend as the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival goes on full swing. This is organized by Amber Studios as they partnered with organizations like Metro Manila Film Festival, HealthJustice Philippines, Parents Against Vape, Action for Economic Reforms, Social Watch, Philippine Smoke Free Movement and government sectors Philippine Legislators Committee on Pop Dev. The event was done to host young creators to use storytelling as a medium for social change.
Participating individuals have undergone workshops under industry experts Jacque Manabat, Chiara Zambrano, Tops Brugada and Jobert Moteras. They created short films with themes involving tobacco, nicotine and vape. It's going to be raw, unique, full of emotions, especially from the POV of the youth. The festival will start on December 13. The shorts will be primarily shown digitally (by next year) but there will be screenings in Cebu, Sorsogon, and other provinces.
Ms. Jacque Manabat says "It's hard to quit, but what I've learned is that you can do it for others, for your loved ones. It's about giving them a better future, the best gift for Christmas. I am leveraging TikTok, to make sure the young ones won't get hitched with the small hints they've done in previous years. We organized this but you are the leaders of your generation, and from the looks of it, the young ones have a bright future, a smoke free future."
This will also be shown in other spots in Manila, Quezon City Film Festival screenings on the 11th and 12th. Updates will be posted on Amber Studios FB page, and the main screening will be done at the MMFF Auditorium at MMDA grounds in Pasig City. From what we've seen during the screening, they're absolutely right in telling us how bright the future of new generation of filmmakers are. All they wish for is a smoke free future, why don't we give them that!
