Private Project

Swelas (Sole)

In the midst of a struggling business and a changing industry, an old shoemaker struggles to accept his daughter's shoe design proposal.

  • Lester Cristal
    Director
  • Lester Cristal
    Story
  • Robin Estargo
    Writer
  • Lester Cristal
    Producer
  • Patrick Wong
    Producer
  • Soliman Cruz
    Key Cast
  • Kyla Ravago
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes
  • Language:
    Tagalog
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • CineMaybank 2018

    Philippines
    Official Selection, Best Screenplay, 2nd Best Film
  • RealiFilm 2019

    Philippines
    Official Selection, Silver Award, Best Production Design, Best Screenplay
Director Biography - Lester Cristal

Gay and a native of the Manila slums, Cristal is no stranger to harsh realities. His films, which emphasize underrepresented, unheard, and underserved voices, challenge his community's conventions.

In 2020, he was nominated for Best Short Film by the Philippines' oldest award-giving body, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS Awards).

In 2022, after graduating from film school as a scholar, he participated and competed in script and pitch programs at Interfilm Berlin in Germany and Sundance Institute in the US, as well as Globe Go Watch and The Greenlight in the Philippines and Drama International Short Film Festival in Greece, where he both won Mentorship Award, for his short film project #bagets. Campaign and production funding was then provided by the United Nations Children's Fund, and the film is currently in the distribution stage.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Through SWELAS, I wanted to showcase the beauty and artistry of the shoemaking industry in my hometown of Marikina, Philippines. This film is not only a celebration of the craft but also a story of innovation and tradition. It highlights the importance of embracing change while preserving cultural heritage. Through SWELAS, I hope to inspire and encourage people to support local products and appreciate Filipino values of hard work and dedication.

SWELAS is a personal project for me, a love letter to my father, and to all the skilled artisans and craftsmen who continue to keep the shoemaking industry alive in Marikina. It was important for me to honor their dedication to the craft and showcase their talents to a wider audience.

It is my hope that this film will inspire and uplift viewers, and that it will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the local shoe industry and beyond.