Films for Peace | Short Film Competition

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES from March 01 to June 16, 2025

films for peace | short film competition

FILMS FOR PEACE is more than just a competition—it’s a movement. Launched in 2024 by the Film Development Council of the Philippines as part of the 4th Philippine Film Industry Month, this program believes in the power of cinema to spark conversations, bridge differences, and inspire a deeper understanding of peace as the foundation of a truly progressive nation.

Through storytelling, Films for Peace aims to bring together voices from every corner of the Philippines, in every language and culture, to show that despite our differences, we are one people. As Filipinos, we embrace the values of understanding, inclusivity, and compassion, and what better way to share this message than through film?

This is not just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing mission to:

• Celebrate unity in diversity – Embracing the rich cultures and subcultures that shape our national identity.

• Use film as a catalyst for peace – Highlighting how peace paves the way for growth, progress, and shared prosperity.

• Show the impact of war – Shedding light on the pain and destruction it brings on local, national, and global levels.

• Encourage empathy and inclusivity – Going beyond tolerance and fostering true human connection.

• Cultivate meaningful dialogue – Inspiring deep reflection on what it takes to build and sustain peace.

• Prove the power of cinema – Engaging audiences and stirring emotions that lead to action.

PRIZESThe prizes include: 

• Grand Prize: PHP 500,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Second Prize: PHP 250,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Third Prize: PHP 100,000.00 (gross), plus a trophy and a certificate

• Finalist Award: PHP 50,000.00 (gross), plus a certificate

If you believe in the power of storytelling to heal, unite, and inspire change, this is your stage. Let your voice be heard, your vision be seen, and your film be a force for peace.

Are you ready to tell a story that can make a difference?

Join Films for Peace and let your film be part of something bigger.

Guidelines ( for the complete guidelines: https://fdcp.ph/filmsforpeace2025)

Eligible Projects, Format, and Theme

Projects that meet all of the following conditions:

1. The Films For Peace Competition is a short film competition open to all Filipino citizens regardless of location and age, whether student, amateur, semi-professional or professional.  Employees and contractual workers of the Film Development Council of the Philippines as well as their immediate relatives are disqualified from participating in the competition.

2. Short films must be any of the following:

   1. short narrative feature;

   2. documentary;

   3. animation; or 

   4. mixed media

3. Films must be in any Philippine language, dialect, or English, with English subtitles required for wide release in cinemas and on streaming platforms.

4. Submissions must have a running time of

5. not less than twelve (12) minutes but must not exceed twenty (20) minutes inclusive of opening billboard (OBB) and closing credits/closing billboard (CBB).

6. To verify that the film was created between March 1 –June 16, 2025, submit a Google Drive link containing any 2 of the following:

   1. BTS Photos with Timestamps (3-5 photos)

   2. Unedited Raw Footage (1-2 min) with visible file metadata (recording date)

   3. Production Log (signed by director/producer)

   4. Receipts/Rental Agreements (dated within the production period)

   5. Call Sheets (with shoot dates)

7. Films must have their Philippine premiere at the Films for Peace Competition and must not have been previously screened or participated in any other local or international festivals, including those organized by schools, universities, or film organizations.

8. Resolution of at least 1920x1080 (Full HD)

9. Accepted formats - MP4, MOV.

10. Music and Copyright - any music that is royalty-free or properly licensed.

11. Films must carry the theme of:

    - The importance of peace;

    - The need for inclusivity;

    - The respect for diversity; but most of all  

    - The celebration of being Filipino as a people and as citizens of the world.

12. The filmmaker may interpret the underlying theme in any manner deemed as substantial for bringing out his or her voice as a cinematic artist.

To know more about the Eligibility, Guidelines of the competition, please visit: https://fdcp.ph/filmsforpeace2025

National Registry for Audiovisual Workers (NRAW), Please check here: FDCP National Registry