Filipino Pride: iACADEMY iNDIEGENIUS Mentee Represents Asia in Cannes Focus WiP (Work-in-Progress)

April 28, 2026

A rising Filipino filmmaker from iACADEMY’s iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab has earned international recognition as her latest project, Panangarem (Courting), is officially selected for the prestigious Focus WiP (Work-in-Progress) at the Cannes Film Festival.

Directed by Kyla Danelle Romero, the film stands out as the sole entry from Asia among the five projects chosen this year. The Focus WiP highlights short films currently in production or post-production to key figures in the global film industry, including distributors, programmers, producers, institutional partners, and buyers.

As part of the program, one selected project will receive a €5,000 grant dedicated to post-production completion, awarded by TransPerfect, an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, all Focus WiP and Focus Script participants, along with members of the New Producers Room, are eligible for further support from the Brussels Short Film Festival.

Romero’s selection marks another milestone in her already groundbreaking career. A mentee from iACADEMY’s iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab Batch 2, she made history as the first Filipina director to compete in the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Films In Competition category with her 2025 film Agapito. She is also known for her acclaimed works as a screenwriter for Hinakdal (2023) and Radikals (2024).

Panangarem (Courting) Formerly "Ligaw", was developed under iACADEMY iNDIEGENIUS and is co-presented by 901 Studios PH and Tarzeer Pictures. This project is also an official recipient of the Momo Distribution Grant which supports independent cinema as a platform for diverse, original storytelling, with a focus on Southeast Asian filmmakers. In partnership with C47 Investment, it launched the Momo Distribution Grant to help fill gaps in short film distribution.

The iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab is iACADEMY's main project. It helps new Filipino filmmakers by giving them the opportunity to work on their dream short narrative, animation, and documentary projects. The program focuses on regional perspectives and indigenous storytelling, which helps make Philippine cinema more diverse and inclusive.

“This film reflects iACADEMY’s unwavering mission to cultivate talents for the next generation of Filipino creatives, bringing Filipino stories to the global stage and proving that Filipino talent continues to shine worldwide.” said Keith Sicat, Head of iACADEMY’s Vision Creative Unit and President of Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc.

This latest achievement underscores iACADEMY’s mission to empower the next generation of Filipino creatives, bringing local stories to international audiences and proving that Filipino talent continues to thrive on the world stage.