iACADEMY Ten Years Ago
A decade ago, iACADEMY achieved a milestone on the international stage as the multimedia arts thesis film Yolanda, created by Jen Castillejo and Krizia Villanueva, graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts and Design under the School of Design and the Arts, earned the institution’s first Best Student Film award at the International Film Festival Manhattan. This achievement showcased the creativity, talent, and global competitiveness of iACADEMY students in the field of filmmaking and digital arts.
Inspired by the true events that happened in Tacloban in 2013, Yolanda follows the journey of a struggling writer searching for a meaningful story. The film was recognized at the International Film Festival Manhattan, an internationally acclaimed festival known for showcasing a diverse selection of world-class productions.
Yolanda further cemented its legacy by receiving the 2016 Ani ng Dangal Award for Cinema from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. As iACADEMY’s first recognition from the NCCA, the award highlighted the institution’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive talent and producing students whose creativity and excellence meet international standards in the creative industry.
To this day, iACADEMY remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals and aspiring artists who dream of seeing their names on the big screen. By fostering innovation, creativity, and artistic excellence, iACADEMY continues to empower students to unlock their full potential and transform their visions into impactful works of art.