iACADEMY student Cedrick Labadia, an outstanding student of the Film and Visual Effects program, has been chosen as one of the eight finalists of The Manila Film Festival 2024 for his film “threefor100.”

This is a significant accomplishment that highlights the young filmmaker’s potential and dedication to his endeavor, further solidifying iACADEMY’s reputation as an epicenter for budding filmmakers.

“threefor100’s development started as early as last year in our first capstone development class with Mr. Hector Calma. We were asked to prepare 10 titles and loglines as project proposals before meeting them with Mr. Hector to decide which project we’ll commit to for the rest of the capstone journey.

“Pinili ko ‘yung threefor100 out of the 10 concepts dahil palagay ko ito ‘yung may most leeway and playground para sa akin. To me by nature ‘yung project ay reflective of Filipino culture and identity by itself. Una, siyempre, buong Pilipino ako na lumaki dito. Sunod, ‘yung milieu nung pelikula ay isang lonely na espasyo ng isang grieving na Pinay sa asawa niyang Chinese na business owner nung ukayan. I think by itself kapag titignan natin ang Maynila, at its heart of commerce napakaimporanteng espasyo ng Binondo na naging isa sa earlier at malalaking places of commerce dito. Embedded yung hodgepodge ng kultura at iba’t ibang tao mula sa Pilipinas at mundo sa atin and I think thats Manila,” said Cedrick Labadia when asked about his inspiration behind his film.

The Manila LGU brought out the eight finalists of TMFF 2024 on Monday, April 8, after a selection process involving a total of 69 submissions. “three for100,” the film made by Labadia captured the eye of the screening committee, selected to compete with those of other schools. The chosen finalists include students from iACADEMY, the University of the Philippines, Colegio De San Juan De Letran, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Adamson University, Bicol University and De Lasalle College of Saint Benilde.

Labadia and the selected filmmakers will receive a grant from TMFF to produce short films that revolve around the theme of the festival — Manila in Me. This opportunity does not only recognize their creative potential but also provides a platform for the Filipino youth to voice their impression about what Manila means to them. The films will be premiered on June 4, 2024, followed by the main festival which will run from June 1 to June 5 2024.

“We are proud of Cedrick Labadia for the hard work that put him in the spotlight as a finalist of The Manila Film Festival 2024. He is an outstanding game changer who demonstrated genius, passion, and dedication in his film. At iACADEMY we empower our students – we give them everything they need to be great in their respective fields,” Vanessa Tanco, iACADEMY President, said.

As Labadia embarks on this exciting journey as a finalist in TMFF 2024, iACADEMY extends its full support and encouragement, inspiring future generations of filmmakers to pursue their passions and make their mark in the world of cinema.