Thu, Jul 03, 2025

TSU Comm students’ “Punla” is PelikulAgraryo 2025 CL Best Film

Tarlac State University’s Communication students’ short film was named as Best Film in Central Luzon during the Department of Agrarian Reform’s regional filmmaking competition “PelikulAgraryo 2025” ARB category on July 1, 2025.
by Katrina Mae A. Patdu, OPA Intern   – TatakTSUian  |  College of Arts and Social Sciences  |  Department of Communication

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Tarlac State University’s Communication students’ short film was named as Best Film in Central Luzon during the Department of Agrarian Reform’s regional filmmaking competition “PelikulAgraryo 2025” ARB category on July 1, 2025.

The nationwide short film competition of the Department of Agrarian Reform Central and Regional Film Festival (DARCFF) aims to highlight stories of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs), and other projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

“Punla,” a film that narrates the life of Lolita, a farmer who struggles to make ends meet but thrives every day gets inspiration from her husband and daughter who promised to take their family out of the margins of society someday.

The story, which takes place in Barangay Pao in San Jose, Tarlac, was directed by Ms. Clarise Ann Dacanay, an incoming 4th year Communication student.

“We take pride in this achievement with so much gratefulness, but still, we carry it with grace of humility. It feels so fulfilling to bring honor and pride to our university. Thus, this award is not just a mere award for me, for it is a testament that we, as communication majors, are not just making films, editing, nor writing scripts, for we are making these kinds of films rooted from our passion to make a difference,” Dacanay said in a phone interview.

Alyssa Moreno, who played the character of Lolita won as best actress; while Laurence Marimla, the lead actor who played the role of Lolita’s husband Juan, was named as best actor.

Both students are set to receive 10,000 pesos for each award, while the group will receive 30,000 pesos.

Communication faculty members, Mr. Dale Calvin Castaneda and Mr. Jovito Taruc, received the award on behalf of the CASS at the DAR regional office in Pampanga.

“We owe it to every farmer who’s honed by resilience and determination to sow despite different struggles.” As “Punla” is now an entry for the national level of the competition representing Central Luzon,” Dacanay further said.

The group is set to compete for the National level representing Central Luzon; winners will be announced in August.

Meanwhile, “Hayag,” along with “Punla,” is also one of the Department of Communication’s entries in DARCFF 2025. Hayag is a film directed by Ms. Heleina Quesada. Both films showcased the different hardships and struggles of different people, but most importantly, highlighted the various accomplishments of the different projects led by DAR.

Themed “Pag-ani sa mga Pangarap: Mga Kwento ng Pag-asa at Tagumpay sa Agraryo”, the competition is open to tertiary-level students of communication or any media-related courses who want to showcase their talents in creating films.

This event aims to be an annual competition that would not only provide a platform to highlight the creativity of each contestant, but at the same time celebrate the success of the different initiatives led by DAR.

Photo: Mr. Dale Calvin Castañeda