iACADEMY's 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Animation students under the School of Design and the Arts, won 1st Place in Animation Category at the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video with their short animated film, Bangungot.
Dead Horse Productions is composed of Jam Lising, Oliver Abaño, Faith Amaro, and Charlize Luspo, who worked closely from concept development to final production. Through intense collaboration, creative exploration, and meticulous animation using Toon Boom Harmony, the team transformed their ideas into compelling films that reflect distinct Filipino experiences and imaginative storytelling.
Bangungot tells the story of a young man who dreams of a better life and must face unforeseen consequences in pursuing that dream, weaving allegorical surrealist fantasy and folk horror into a visually striking narrative that explores hope, fear, and the hidden dangers of certain aspirations.
The short animated film showcases the students' passion for animation, their commitment to storytelling, and their ability to create meaningful works that resonate with audiences in respected film festivals.
“Dead Horse Productions’ award should inspire our students to have confidence in their original creations that can be celebrated by peers, colleagues, and professionals,” said Keith Sicat, Head of iACADEMY’s VISION Creative Unit, incoming Program Chairperson for iACADEMY FLM and VFX Program, and President of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines.
“Recognition like this shows what our students can achieve when they are given the space to explore their creativity and the right guidance to bring their ideas to life. Dead Horse Production’s work reflects not only their technical skills, but also their willingness to tell stories in their own way. As educators, it is important for us to help them create work that can hold its own not just locally, but also in the international creative community,” shared by Hamil Buyco, Dean of the School of Design and the Arts at iACADEMY.
“Dead Horse Productions continues to show us what students can achieve when they are given the freedom to explore their ideas and the opportunity to bring their stories to life. Their work reflects not only their growth as animators, but also their confidence in using animation as a way to tell stories that connect with audiences. Seeing their films reach both local and international platforms makes us proud, and we hope this recognition inspires them to keep creating, experimenting, and sharing their voices with the world.” said Monique Fandagani, Program Coordinator for Animation at iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts.
The achievement of Bangungot in the 38th CCP Gawad Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video reflects iACADEMY's commitment to nurturing aspiring animators through industry-driven education and hands-on creative experiences. By combining technical expertise with mentorship from industry practitioners, iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts empowers students to develop stories that resonate with audiences beyond the classroom.
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