"Every film should have its own world, a logic and feel to it that expands beyond the exact image that the audience is seeing." — Christopher Nolan
Vahn Leinard C. Pascual is a young and talented Filipino film director, writer, and actor. He was born on April 30, 2000, and studied at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking. Pascual's passion for filmmaking started at a young age, and he has been honing his craft ever since. While he was a student, Pascual has already made more than twenty short films that have been officially selected and won numerous awards in different film festivals worldwide. He is known for his unique style and artistic approach, which often explores political and queer themes.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Pascual was awarded the prestigious Ani ng Dangal or "Harvest of Honors" for Cinema by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, an agency under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. He was also recognized as a Film Ambassador at Film Ambassador's Night by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. In 2022, Pascual was named one of CNN Philippines Life's "Eight emerging Filipino directors to watch out for.” And in 2023, Pascual represented the Philippines in the Tokyo International Film Festival's student exchange program, fully funded by the Japan Foundation. Building on his achievements, in 2024, he secured a scholarship for the Niigata International Animation Film Festival Camp in Japan. Additionally, he also became the youngest recipient of the first-ever CREATE Awards in the Audiovisual domain from the Congress, House of Representatives of the Philippines.
One of Pascual's most notable works is his film “Sina Alexa, Xander at ang Universe” (2020), which won several Best Picture awards in different film festivals and was officially part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020 and the prestigious Toronto Queer Film Festival 2023. The film received critical acclaim for its unique and compelling storyline, and Pascual's direction was praised for its bold and innovative approach.
Another of Pascual's films, “Silang mga Naligaw sa Limot” (2021), won an international award at the 14th Tbilisi Sunrise International Youth Film Festival, the first and longest-running youth film festival in Georgia. It also won the Jury Prize in Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Shorts Sine Isla: LuzViMinda 2022. The film explores themes of loss and grief and was praised for its raw and chilling performances.
Pascual was also recognized for his film “Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig” (2021), which received a co-production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines' International Silent Film Festival Manila: Mit Out Sound. The film won the Best Picture award and was nominated for Best Director at the prestigious event. Later on, the film screened and received awards from different film festivals, including the notable QCinema International Film Festival for the Rainbow QC Shorts category. In 2023, his film “Mary Go Round, Mary Round” became part of Cinemalaya’s Next Gen Category.
Pascual also creates animations and is known for his films “Blue Is Not My Favorite Color” (2020), which won the Audience Choice Award in QFest: The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival 2020 in Houston, Texas. It was also screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema: Pride and Independence 2022 and many other local film festivals. Another animation film that Pascual created was “Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan” (2022), which received an Honorable Mention in Gawad Alternatibo 2022 and Best Film for Animation Category in Manila Student Film Festival 2023.
Aside from his work as a filmmaker, Pascual has also starred in several films. He appeared in the films “Sisa” (2008) directed by CJ Andaluz and Frank Rivera, and “Ante” (2009) directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. Pascual has also acted in several short films.
2nd Best Film
Searching for Aliens and Other Unidentified Feelings
CineBedista Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Searching for Aliens and Other Unidentified Feelings
CineBedista Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Searching for Aliens and Other Unidentified Feelings
International Inter University Short Film Festival 2023
Best Actress: Aika Tan
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
CineBedista Film Festival 2024
Best Film
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
CineBedista Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
CineBedista Film Festival 2024
Best Screenplay
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
NABIFILMEX (Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition) 2023
Official Selection
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
NABIFILMEX (Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition) 2023
Official Selection
Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round
Cinemalaya Film Festival: Next Gen Short Film Section 2023
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
CineKasimanwa Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Short+Sweet Manila Film Festival 2023
Bronze Award
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Adamson University Silip@Lente Realifilm Festival 2023
Best Cinematography
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Adamson University Silip@Lente Realifilm Festival 2023
Award of Virtue
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Adamson University Silip@Lente Realifilm Festival 2023
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Adamson University Silip@Lente Realifilm Festival 2023
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Bakunawa Cinema of the Young Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Sine Halaga Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
International Inter University Short Film Festival 2022
Curated Section
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Gawad Alternatibo 2022
Official Selection
Hindi Kita Malilimutan (I Will Never Forget You)
Sundayag Film Festival
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Spring Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
CineKasimanwa 2023
Honorable Mention
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Gawad Alternatibo 2023
Official Selection: Short Feature Category
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Gawad Alternatibo 2023
Open Category: Best Film
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Hundred Islands Film Festival 2023
Open Category: Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Hundred Islands Film Festival 2023
Official Exhibition
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
CineMint Film Festival 2023
Best Musical Score
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Piling Obrang Vidyo XIX
Cinemaster’s Choice Award
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Piling Obrang Vidyo XIX
Best Director: Vahn Pascual
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Piling Obrang Vidyo XIX
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Piling Obrang Vidyo XIX
Best Musical Score
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
CineMapua 2022
Cardinal’s Audience Choice Award
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
CineMapua 2022
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
CineMapua 2022
Official Exhibition
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
QCinema: RainbowQC Shorts 2022
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Ngilngig Asian Fantastic Film Festival 2022
Best Production Design
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition 2022
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition 2022
Rainbow Shorts Film Exhibition
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
Pelikulaya: International LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
22 International Film Schools Festival / 22 Festival Internacional de Escuelas de Cine - Uruguay 2022
Best Film
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
International Silent Film Festival Manila - Mit Out Sound Lab 2021
Official Finalist
Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (The Gossips of Cicadidae)
International Silent Film Festival Manila - Mit Out Sound Lab 2021
Jury’s Choice Award
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Pandayang Lino Brocka: Political Film & New Media Festival 2023
Official Selection
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Pandayang Lino Brocka: Political Film & New Media Festival 2023
Best Film (Animation Category)
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Manila Student Film Festival 2023
Official Selection (Animation Category)
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Manila Student Film Festival 2023
Official Exhibition
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Cinema Under the Stars 2022
Official Exhibition
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Semester Pendek Film Festival 2022
Honorable Mention
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Gawad Alternatibo 2022
Official Selection
Ang mga Sisiw sa Kagubatan (The Chicks in the Forest)
Gawad Alternatibo 2022
Official Selection
Mundong Walang Katiyakan (In Our Temporary World)
International Inter University Short Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Mundong Walang Katiyakan (In Our Temporary World)
Global University Film Awards 2022
Official Selection
Mundong Walang Katiyakan (In Our Temporary World)
SinePiyu 2022
Official Selection
Mundong Walang Katiyakan (In Our Temporary World)
Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition
Official Selection
Mundong Walang Katiyakan (In Our Temporary World)
Gawad Alternatibo 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
International Inter University Short Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Short+Sweet Manila Film Festival 2023
Official Selection Exhibition
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
CinemaRehiyon 2023: Best of the Regions – Luzon
Jury Prize
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Shorts Sine Isla: LuzViMinda 2022
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino Shorts Sine Isla: LuzViMinda 2022
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
FilAr Peace Film Festival 2022
Best Film
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Silip@Lente Realifilm 2022
Best Director
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Silip@Lente Realifilm 2022
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Silip@Lente Realifilm 2022
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Cineaste International Film Festival of India 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
SineBatangan 2021
Jury Prize Award
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Oroquieta Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Oroquieta Film Festival 2021
Jury Prize Award
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
CineMapua 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
CineMapua 2021
Special Mention
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Tbilisi Sunrise International Youth Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
Tbilisi Sunrise International Youth Film Festival 2021
Best Screenplay
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
SinePiyu 2021
Best Production Design
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
SinePiyu 2021
2nd Best Film
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
SinePiyu 2021
Official Selection
Silang Mga Naligaw Sa Limot (They Who Were Lost In Oblivion)
SinePiyu 2021
Special Citation for Excellence in Vertical Film
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Bakunawa Young Cinema 2021
Official Selection
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Bakunawa Young Cinema 2021
Official Finalist
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Ortigas Vertical Cinema Contest
Official Selection
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
TVUP Film Festival
Official Selection
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Vertifilms Prague
Prague
Top 20 Finalist
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
SineWikain
Best Story
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Sundayag Film Festival
Official Selection
Mga Gawaing Bahay (Household Chores)
Sundayag Film Festival
Marilou Ulanday Choice Award
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Tandang Sora Film Festival 2023
2nd Best Film
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Tandang Sora Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Tandang Sora Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival 2021
Best Sound Design
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Sundayag Film Festival 2020
Best Cinematography
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Sundayag Film Festival 2020
Best Director
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Sundayag Film Festival 2020
Official Selection
Sa Loob ng Apat na Sulok (Insde the Four Corners)
Sundayag Film Festival 2020
Official Finalist
Tula Para sa Nang-iwan (A Poem for The One Who Left)
CineMobile's Buhay Byahero Filmmaking Challenge
Honorable Mention
Hugas Kamay (Washing of Hands)
Gawad Alternatibo 2021
Official Selection
Hugas Kamay (Washing of Hands)
Gawad Alternatibo 2021
Official Selection (Animation Category)
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
Manila Student Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema: Pride and Independence 2022
Official Selection
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
UP Pride Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
Gawad Alternatibo 2021
Official Selection
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
SinePiyu 2021
Audience Choice Award
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
QFest: The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival 2020
Houston, Texas
Official Selection
Blue Is Not My Favorite Color
QFest: The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival 2020
Houston, Texas
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Queer East Film Festival 2024
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Toronto Queer Film Festival 2023
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Kansai Queer Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Filipino Independent Film Festival Netherlands 2022
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Ateneo Vidyo Open 2022
Best Film
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Manila Student Film Festival 2022
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Manila Student Film Festival 2022
Best Production Design
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMapua 2021
Best Actor: Vahn Pascual
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMapua 2021
Best Editing
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMapua 2021
Best Film
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMapua 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMapua 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Global Assembly on Everyday Life, Gender, and Sexuality 2021
Best Screenplay
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMandirigma 2021
Best Director
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMandirigma 2021
Best Picture
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMandirigma 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Davis Feminist Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
CineMandirigma 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Cinephilia Flair International Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Cinema Rehiyon 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
14th FOR RAINBOW - Festival of Cinema and Culture of Sexual and Gender Diversity 2020
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Gawad Sining Film Festival 2020
Manila
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
MitreoFilmFestival 2020
1st Runner-up Best Film
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Video Home Film Festival 2020
Best Sound Design
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Video Home Film Festival 2020
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Video Home Film Festival 2020
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
International Inter University Short Film Festival 2020
Official Selection
Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe (Alexa, Xander and the Universe)
Metro Manila Film Festival 2020
Official Selection
Linya (Lines)
Cineaste International Film Festival of India 2021
Award of Excellence
Linya (Lines)
Silip@Lente Realifilm Adamson University
Best Actress: Czkaira Marie Borlaza
Linya (Lines)
Silip@Lente Realifilm Adamson University
Best Actress: Czkaira Marie Borlaza
Linya (Lines)
Nyansapo Film Festival
Best Picture
Linya (Lines)
Nyansapo Film Festival
Official Selection
Kung Anuman Ang Nakahain (Whatever is Served)
Piling Obrang Vidyo XVI
Official Selection
Ang Huling Hantungan (The Last Destination)
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Ang Huling Hantungan (The Last Destination)
Gawad Alternatibo
Official Selection
Ang Huling Hantungan (The Last Destination)
CineKabalen
Official Selection
Ang Huling Hantungan (The Last Destination)
Sorok Short Film Festival
Official Selection
Nagmamahal, Carmela (Love, Carmela)
SineKarmelo
Best Advocacy Film
Ikay
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival 2021
Official Selection
Ikay
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival 2021
Top 14 Finalists
Ikay
Short+Sweet Manila Film Festival
Official Selection
Ikay
Short+Sweet Manila Film Festival
Special Jury Award
Ikay
U-Henyo Media Summit Film Festival
People's Choice Award
Ikay
U-Henyo Media Summit Film Festival
Official Selection
Ikay
U-Henyo Media Summit Film Festival
Best Poster
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival
Official Selection
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Kabataan at Karapatan Film Festival
Best Actor: Remwin Yoj Perez
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Urduja Film Festival
Best Socially Relevant FIlm
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Urduja Film Festival
Official Selection
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Urduja Film Festival
Best Actor: Remwin Yoj Perez
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Silip@Lente Adamson University
Best Screenplay
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Silip@Lente Adamson University
Manila
Official Selection
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Silip@Lente Adamson University
Official Selection
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Cinemorayta Film Festival
Best Sound Design
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Cinemorayta Film Festival
Best Actor: Remwin Yoj Perez
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Cinemorayta Film Festival
Best Editing
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Cinemorayta Film Festival
Manila
Social Media Award
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Cinemorayta Film Festival
Manila
Best Sound Design
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Best Musical Score
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Best Director: Vahn Pascual
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Best Actor: Remwin Yoj Perez
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Best Picture
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Best Cinematography
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie-Un Film Festival
Best Editing
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Official Selection
Isa Akong Batang Nakakulong (A Child Behind Bars)
Indie Un-Film Festival
Manila
Official Selection
Althea
Urduja Film Festival
Best Actress
Althea
Urduja Film Festival
Official Selection
Aling Rosita (Auntie Rosita)
CineKabalen Film Festival
College
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking
20192023
"Every film should have its own world, a logic and feel to it that expands beyond the exact image that the audience is seeing." — Christopher Nolan
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