As The Moth Flies Shines at Famas Short Film Festival

“As The Moth Flies” Triumphs at Famas Festival

“As the Moth Flies,” a short film focusing on mental illness, recently made a significant impact at the inaugural Famas Short Film Festival 2025 held in Greenhills, San Juan. The film earned top honors including Best Picture, Best Actress for Mina Cruz, and Best Editing credited to Gayle Oblea and Noah del Rosario.

Gayle Oblea, the writer and director of “As the Moth Flies,” accepted the Best Picture award and dedicated the win to those who endure their struggles quietly. She shared, “‘As the Moth Flies’ was born from a place we spent years running from. In making it, we were forced to face every buried fear, every unspoken wound, every inner demon I thought I had silenced. And through that confrontation, we found something greater than healing—we found purpose.”

Bridging Understanding Through Film

Gayle further explained that the film serves as more than just a story; it acts as a bridge connecting those who suffer in silence with those who may not fully understand that experience. She emphasized the unique power of cinema, saying, “Because cinema has the power to do what words alone cannot— it makes people think.”

She also viewed the award as a responsibility. “This award is not just a celebration. It’s a responsibility. A reminder that storytelling is a calling — and that films shouldn’t just be made to entertain. It should be a medium to inspire and open topics that people fear discussing.”

Gayle ended her speech with a heartfelt message: “Getting this award, we promise to continue to create films that make people feel. Because feeling is where understanding begins. And understanding is where the stigma ends.”

Team Effort Behind the Success

Acknowledging her team, Gayle expressed deep gratitude: “To my team who stood by me, who believed in this vision even when it was heavy — thank you. You reminded me that filmmaking isn’t just about talent. It’s about trust. It’s about courage. It’s about community.”

She also thanked the cast, including Boo Gabunada, Mina Cruz, and Tito Epy Quizon, for their dedication. “You didn’t just help make a film. You helped build a movement.”

Producers Rav and Happy received special mention for their unwavering support. Gayle noted, “You carried this vision with strength, faith, and loyalty through every high and heartbreak. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

In a touching dedication, she said, “And to my boy and the rest who see the world differently. Who feels the world differently? I dedicate this to you, and I hope this serves as a reminder that our compassion, imagination, and sensitivity are not weaknesses — they are superpowers.”

Finally, she credited a higher power: “Above all, I dedicate this award to God, who authored this story long before I could write it.”

Recognition for the Cast and Festival Highlights

Although Mina Cruz could not attend the awards night, she expressed her gratitude on social media. She said, “It is humbling to be nominated alongside Ms. Via Antonio, Ms. Irma Adlawan, Ms. Sherry Lara, the young actresses Ms. Maricar Bojos, and Ms. Juvy Ann Clarito, who also directed her film.”

She added, “I hope more people get to see our work and appreciate that as actors, we continue to nurture our skills, and we work just as hard.”

The 1st Famas Short Film Festival was organized by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences and presented by REMS Entertainment. Festival director Gabby Ramos and FAMAS president Francia Conrado officially launched the event.

Gabby Ramos emphasized the importance of supporting short filmmakers, stating that they represent the future of Filipino cinema.

Complete List of Winners at the Festival

• Best Picture: “As The Moth Flies”
• Best Actress: Mina Cruz (“As The Moth Flies”)
• Best Actor: Soliman Cruz (“Ang Huling Liham”)
• Best Child Performer/Actor: Earl Quintana (“Parapo”)
• Best Director: Jhonny Bobier (“Parapo”)
• Best Screenplay: “Kita Mo ‘To?”
• Best Cinematography: “Parapo”
• Best Editing: “As The Moth Flies”
• Best Music & Sound Design: “Kiyaw”
• Best Production Design: “One Day, Three Autumns”
• Best Advocacy Film: “Hello, Mr. Jenkins” and “Benepisyo”
• Best Regional Film: “Pagtaghoy sa Hangin”
• Best Documentary Film: “No Man Left Behind”

For more news and updates on mental health in cinema, visit Filipinokami.com.