AN aspiring student filmmaker from iACADEMY h as secured a major financial and developmental boost for her upcoming cinematic project after being named a recipient of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Student Film Assistance Program for Cycle 1, 2026.
Alexa T. Lising, a mentee under iACADEMY’s VISION Creative Unit, clinched the highly competitive grant for her short film project titled Intramuros in a Matter of Seconds.
The national program is designed to support promising student creators in developing and producing original cinematic works.
As part of the initiative, Lising recently attended an intensive official workshop held in the historic walled city of Intramuros.
She was joined by fellow iACADEMY VISION cohort member Mario Bate.
The training sessions provided the emerging filmmakers with critical, practical insights into project development, production logistics, and navigating the professional landscape of the local film industry.
The event also served as a valuable networking platform, connecting the iACADEMY students with other top student creators from universities nationwide.
Keith Sicat, Head of iACADEMY’s VISION Creative Unit and current President of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, praised Lising’s achievement and emphasized the vital importance of external industry exposure.
“Programs like the FDCP Student Film Assistance Program provide young filmmakers with the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and into the realities of the industry,” Sicat said. “Alexa’s selection is a testament to her dedication, creative voice, and willingness to tell meaningful stories.”
The milestone highlights iACADEMY’s ongoing commitment to providing an industry-driven education.
Through specialized mentorship initiatives like VISION, the institution continues to blend academic learning with real-world opportunities, empowering the next generation of game-changing Filipino storytellers to thrive in the country’s evolving creative sectors.
