New Era's ‘Police Line’ aces PNP Film Festival awards

New Era University's "Police Line" brought home the bacon at the recently concluded 1st PNP Film Festival, bagging no less than nine awards. The film, about the struggles of a young police officer, won Best Picture Award, Best in Production Design, Best in Musical Score, Best in Editing, Best in Videography, Best in Screenplay, Best in Direction, Best Performance by an Actor, and Best Police Film. It also won the Special Award for Best in Production Authenticity. “Police Line" was written by NEU Mass Communication students and directed by Dianne Grace Cantuba. Edison Pilota won Best Actor for his portrayal of Benjo, a young police officer who ends up in the field of law enforcement not out of inclination but because of family tradition. His quest in the story was to gain the respect of his father, Police Senior Supt. Benjamin Romero Sr., played by veteran actor Ricky Davao. Jacqui Lou Blanco and Jojo Alejar hosted the awards program, held in Camp Crame on Thursday. All five film entries from different schools were nominated for Best Picture. These are “Bro" by La Consolacion College, Manila; “Detektib" by Dr. Felimon Aguilar Memorial College, Las Piňas City; “Gatilyo" by Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila; “Police Line" by New Era University, Quezon City; and “Vendetta" by University of Perpetual Help System, Laguna. Other winners were Dr. Amalia Rosales for Best Performance by an Actress in “Gatilyo," and University of Perpetual Help System students for male and female Star of the film festival. The Board of Judges and presentors in the 1st PNP Film Festival included Optical Media Board Chairman Ronnie Ricketts, Mark Gil, Rayver Cruz, Bettina Carlos, Dinky Doo and multi-awarded veteran actor Eddie Garcia. In his message during the awards ceremony, PNP chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa extended his appreciation to the students who participated in the film festival, saying that through the five films, a “glimpse in the lives of police officers can be provided but it is in the eyes of the exceptional college students." “The PNP would like to bring up the social awareness of the youth that peace and order is the concern of the community. We would like to influence young students to view the police organization as a noble profession and we need idealistic people like them to join us," Verzosa added. Chief Superintendent Nicanor A. Bartolome, Director for the Police Community Relations Group, said the film fest went through a long process but succeeded because of the students' participation as well as the support of the various PNP units and officers. The PNP had invited students to participate in the film festival and offered the shortlisted entries 25,000 pesos each to fund their films. It had not been easy, as some of those who joined the festival relied on friends' pro bono services to cope with the low budget. "Police Line" producer Charisse Apostol said they joined for the experience, and pitched their storyline in a meeting with the PNP officers. "Kasi ang gusto nila police story na kahit na negative, positive yung ending," she told GMANews.TV in a phone interview. She said the PNP helped by providing uniforms and allowing them to use police facilities for the shoot. The PNP also lent a camera, which the participating groups used on a rotation basis. "Kinailangan pa rin magdagdag, may sponsors, pero puro products," she said, explaining that as a group, they had agreed to contribute nearly a thousand pesos to help fund the project. She also said that the film was credited by one of their professors for their Critical Writing subject. "[The funding is] enough for food, props and costumes," said Lito Casaje, project consultant for "Bro," adding that the students paid for their own transportation and sweet-talked friends into helping them out. "Bro," which was post-production heavy, was completed thanks to a friendly rate provided by the supervising editor, who is teaching at La Consolacion College. Despite setbacks, the students' efforts bore fruit as their films were successfully screened last week in selected SM cinemas. Project Manager PSupt Felix Servita told GMANews.TV over the phone that they are not sure if there will be a second PNP film festival next year. "Hopefully, magkakaroon pa tayo next year. Maraming gustong sumali na mga estudyante, maganda naman," he said.—JV, GMANews.TV