Ready for the Reel World: How Cine Nationale’s Student Filmmakers Embrace Film Criticism
Facing film criticism can shake up even seasoned directors, so taking that step as a student creator brings a unique kind of pressure. At National University – Fairview’s Cine Nationale, the up-and-coming storytellers behind this year’s lineup are meeting the moment with a grounded, practical mindset. Rather than shying away from audience reviews, these young filmmakers see feedback as a mandatory milestone for sharpening their craft.
Understanding the Audience Experience
For many on set, realizing that art hits everyone differently serves as their main armor. Patricia Ann Saenz, representing the film Sumaya, views incoming commentary as part of the job description.
“As for me, regarding the criticisms na mare-receive natin, I think natural part naman talaga ‘yun ng pagiging isang filmmaker,” Saenz explains. “So, I believe that we have to accept kung ano ang magiging feedback nila. Iba-iba naman ang opinions ang mga tao… meron din namang mga viewers na hindi makukuha ‘yung gusto naming iparating and that is completely okay, kasi iba-iba ang magiging interpretation ng mga tao.”
Kenzo Aldrich Cabale, director of Ang Lawit ni Sonaj, echoes this thought, emphasizing that clear self-judgment needs to happen before the public chimes in. Cabale believes a director must evaluate their own work first to genuinely understand where viewers are coming from.
“Yes, we’re ready to take the negative and positive energy, and comments from the people, especially as a filmmaker, kailangan sa sarili mo palang na may pagkakamali at may tama… As a good leader and as a good filmmaker, we should know that before other people criticize you, you should criticize yourself first,” Cabale says. He playfully weaves the festival’s entries together, adding, “Just like Tila Walang Tala, nagniningning tayo sa kanya-kanya nating buhay at lalawit tayo sa kanya-kanya nating buhay kaya dapat tayong magbakasakali dahil dadalhin tayo ng hiram na Rusi sa tamang landas bago pa lumamig ang mga kape. At bago lumamig ang kape, dapat nating maramdaman na tayo ay sumaya.”
Letterboxd Roots and Flawed Art
Being avid moviegoers themselves shapes how these students view public commentary. Dion Mark Lazo, one of the writers behind Tila Walang Tala, draws on his background as a film fan when thinking about feedback.
“Yes, we are very much ready to accept all the criticisms… Kaya naman bring it on. Charing!” Lazo jokes. “Pero as someone na babad din sa Letterboxd, like nagra-write din ng mga recommendation and criticism about films… ready na ready kami mag-take ng criticism kasi we believe that those criticisms have something to do with our film and we do believe that those criticism of other people will help us to be better as future media practitioners… For us, we personally believe na ‘yung film namin is imperfectly perfect.”
Turning Critique into Practical Growth
Putting a personal script out into the world takes guts. Rich Agura, writer and actor for Sakali, frames every review as a practical step toward building confidence and skill.
“Taos-puso ko itong tatanggapin dahil naniniwala akong sa bawat criticism na matatanggap natin is a ladder para mabuo ang pagkatao natin bilang isang filmmaker at isang writer,” Agura shares. “With those criticisms naman kasi, doon tayo maggo-grow, ‘yung mga skills na meron tayo.”
Handling opinions inside the writers’ room also helped prepare the teams for external reviews. Janelle Regen, co-writer for Before The Coffee Gets Cold, points out that compromising during development built a foundation of trust.
“We are more than ready to accept kung ano man ang comments or criticism… Tatlo kaming writers and it was really a collaborative process na we have different ideas… As a writer, I trust the audience and ang pinakaimportante naman is that naniniwala kami sa gawa namin mismo para ma-apply din namin sa audience kung ano ang gusto naming ipakita,” Regen explains.
Facing Nerves Head-On
Even with a healthy attitude toward feedback, feeling nervous on premiere day remains universal. Czarinah Baltazar from Sakay ng Hiram na Rusi offers an honest look at the pressure that comes with a first major release.
“I want to put it on the perspective of a student and a first-time writer. Sa totoo lang, I’m scared to face those comments since I don’t know what to expect, but it is the reality that we have to face since our consumers is ‘yung mga manonood natin,” Baltazar admits. “Katulad ng sabi ng co-writers ko, (criticisms) will make you better and it’s gonna be the ladder for you to reach higher heights pa para ma-improve ang stories na isusulat mo.”
Through self-reflection, open discussion, and a passion for storytelling, the student directors and writers of NU-Fairview’s Cine Nationale show that they are ready to put their films on screen and take whatever note comes next.
Cine Nationale 2026 is now running at SM Fairview Cinema 4 until tomorrow, September 30.
Watch our coverage from the media conference below: