Filipino Animation Students' Film RUNO! Heads to North America for Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2026 Premiere
iACADEMY continues to strengthen its global footprint in animation as students from its Animation Program secured an Official Selection at the 2026 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF), where their original animated short film RUNO! will hold its North American premiere under the "Duty Free" program section.
The selected entry, RUNO! was created and directed by iACADEMY’s third-year Animation students Lysa Catolico and Jaz Pateña, and is set to screen during the festival's run from April 30 to May 3, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, USA one of North America's respected platforms celebrating Asian and Pacific cinema.
"Developed as an original student-led animated short, the film showcases the strength of iACADEMY's production-driven learning environment, where students were encouraged to transform classroom outputs into festival-worthy creative work. Through compelling visual storytelling and strong narrative execution, RUNO! reflects the students' ability to create content that resonates with audiences beyond the Philippines." said by Monique Fandagani, iACADEMY’s Program Coordinator of Animation Program.
“This achievement emphasizes the excellence of iACADEMY’s Animation Program under the School of Design and the Arts, where students are not only trained in technical skills but are also honed in storytelling that resonates with the true essence of animation. We are beaming with pride to witness Filipino student animators thrive in international creative spaces.” stated Hamill Buyco, Dean of iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts.
"More than a milestone for the institution, it is a proud moment for the Philippines, showcasing how a school rooted in championing Filipino culture can now bring local stories and world-class talent onto the global stage, proving the creativity and excellence of Filipino artists to the world. This international selection underscores the caliber of iACADEMY's Animation Program, where students are immersed in industry-aligned workflows, mentorship, and hands-on studio practice that sharpen both artistic and technical mastery." shared Raquel Perez-Wong, President and Chief Operating Officer of iACADEMY.