We invite short films that center on the realities, voices, and experiences of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Submissions may explore themes such as inclusion, accessibility, equality, education, health, empowerment, and disability rights. Whether highlighting lived experiences, advocacy efforts, systemic challenges, or moments of personal resilience and hope, each film should aim to challenge stereotypes, spark empathy, and promote a more inclusive world for the PWD community.

JCI Batangas Balisong is a non-profit organization of young active citizens age 18 to 40 who are engaged and committed in creating an impact to their communities. The organization is based in the 1st District of Batangas.

Festival Objectives:
1. To promote film as an art that bridges communities and drives awareness.
2. To foster cultural exchange through stories that reflect diversity and dignity.
3. To create impactful content that educates, inspires, and entertains — sparking meaningful conversations on disability and inclusion.

Awards & Prizes

Best Picture - certificate
2nd Best Picture - certificate
3rd Best Picture - certificate
Jury Prize
Gender Sensitive Award

Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Cast Ensemble
Best Story
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Musical Score
Best Trailer
Best Poster

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:
1. The competition is open to amateur and professional filmmakers worldwide regardless of age and gender.
2. The film must be 3 to 10 minutes, inclusive of OBB and CBB
3. Dialogues may be in any language but should include English subtitles.
4. The festival accepts all genres — including narrative, animation, and documentary — as long as the film is related to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and explores themes such as disability awareness, inclusion, accessibility, empowerment, or lived experiences of individuals with disabilities.
5. Only works produced from June 2024 to August 2025 are accepted.

Format:

1. Submissions shall go through a screening committee composed of the festival director, organization and its partners. The final work should be in high definition, either in vertical or horizontal format.
2. The shortlisted finalists will be announced in September 2024 via the JCI Batangas Balisong social media accounts.
3. It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to make sure that all materials including logos and music used are copyright free, in public domain or has the proper license needed, thus not violating any laws. The filmmaker will be responsible for any problems resulting from copyright.
4. The filmmaker grants JCI Batangas Balisong the right to extract excerpts from the film to be used as promotional materials and will be posted to different platforms.
5. JCI Batangas Balisong reserves the right to exhibit the Top 20 films in person and in an invitational online screening on June 2024, and at no additional cost.
6. If the production team includes several individuals, they must assign a single representative to act on their behalf. All official communication shall be addressed to the representative; JCI Batangas Balisong will not be liable for any controversy regarding the sharing of awards among the members of the group.
7. Entries that have been featured in other local and international festivals and competitions are welcome and qualified.
8. The decision of the judges is final. The judges will have the right not to give an award to any category if no entry should merit it.
9. JCI Batangas Balisong reserves the right to amend the rules and revise the mechanics.
10. The awarding of winners will be on June 2024 , in person and virtually.

Criteria:
Relevance to the Theme (30 pts)
Directing (20 points)
Cinematography (10 points)
Editing (10 points)
Acting (10 points)
Musical Score (10 points)
Production Design (10 points)