MARIVELES, Bataan — The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in partnership with the BTNAssociation, opened a new chapter for the province’s creative community with the launch of the first-ever FAB Film Festival (FFF) — the province’s inaugural local film event featuring ten original short films by Bataeño filmmakers.
Held at the AFAB Administration Building in Mariveles, the premiere night gathered filmmakers, artists, and guests from within and beyond the Freeport. Before the film screenings, AFAB officials and BTN representatives led a ribbon-cutting ceremony at an exhibit area showcasing the official posters of the competing entries.
AFAB Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman formally opened the festival, emphasizing that the event reflects AFAB’s belief that economic zones can be spaces not only for production and enterprise but also for creative expression.
“The same place that builds and innovates can also tell stories — and that’s what tonight is about: giving a platform for local talents to share their voices and visions,” Pangandaman said in his remarks.
He added that the FAB Film Festival aligns with AFAB’s broader mission to promote inclusive growth by supporting industries beyond manufacturing and logistics, including arts, culture, and creative enterprises.
BTNAssociation founder and festival co-organizer Brian Tenorio echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of creativity in local development.
“Film is a powerful medium to showcase who we are as Bataeños — our struggles, humor, hopes, and dreams. This festival is proof that creativity can thrive anywhere, even in an industrial zone,” Tenorio said.
The ten short films — all created by emerging Bataeño filmmakers — explored diverse themes such as family, identity, environment, and local folklore. The lineup included “Dalampasigan,” “Kisapmata,” “Bituin,” “Sa Ilalim ng Tulay,” and “Tatak Bataan,” among others. Each film was judged based on storytelling, technical excellence, and originality.
A panel of industry professionals — including award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone, film critic Philbert Dy, and cinematographer Neil Daza — served as jurors for the competition. Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and the People’s Choice Award were handed out after the screenings.
The festival concluded with an open forum where filmmakers shared their creative journeys and the challenges of producing films on limited budgets.
Pangandaman announced that AFAB intends to make the FAB Film Festival an annual event, expanding its categories and offering training programs for aspiring filmmakers in the coming years.
“This is just the beginning,” Pangandaman said. “We envision FAB as a hub where innovation meets imagination — where factories and films can coexist, building both livelihoods and legacies.”