In Retrospect: 24 Frames Celebrates 10 YEARS with Grand Homecoming
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” a quote by Lao Tzu shared by 24F Founder & President Emeritus Josh Fernandez to a supportive crowd. Last June 22, current student members and alumni from different batches of the org gathered at Matrix Creation Events Venue in Diliman, Quezon City to celebrate and commemorate the historical milestone of 24 Frames as the longest continuous-existing org of CIIT to first hit the decade mark.
Hosted by current 24F officers Kai De Leon and Raphael Brizuela, the event was attended by more than 70 attendees across generations, pushing through the heavy weather in their best cocktail dresses as they made the most of the event’s red carpet and dinner, as well as an assembly of new and exclusive 24F merchandise. A night centered on looking back at the long history and timeline of the org through videos, games, and interviews, the program reminisced ten years of sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears with the theme “Anong Kwentong 24 Frames Mo?” (“What Is Your 24 Frames Story?”).
At the center of the event was a series of heartfelt speeches delivered by former presidents and student leaders of the org, reuniting on stage. Kicking things off was Aelron Cruz, Former 24F President from 2023-2024, sharing his journey on how the organization redeemed its ‘glory days’ as it recovered back from the pandemic. Cruz shared his team’s effort to organize the events “Alamat ng Orange Juice”, “SineSembreak”, and “SineLektura”, as well as to highlight the org’s recognition as a member of Academic Film Society, an adjunct of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. At the end of his speech, he introduced Qianna Sanchez as the next org President, alongside incoming officers Hillary Roque and Jasmin Dapitan, who will hold office as the next Vice President and Secretary, respectively. Sanchez delivered a short speech on her plans for the organization.
Through pre-recorded videos, Former 24F President (2021-2022) Ercel Santiago and Former President (2022-2023) Elijah Garcia both described their best college memories fueled by their passion for filmmaking, expressing their gratitude to their colleagues and networks. Sine Siklab Founder and Former 24F President (2018-2019) Ryven Rabang recalled his creative background, his term in office, and his creation of Sine Siklab. Amiel Kabigting, Head of 24F Multimedia Production and Former 24F President (2016-2017), thanked his peers for helping him establish 24F Multimedia Production, growing from documenting event coverages to securing brand commercials. Kabigting also acknowledged his batchmates who are now excelling in the industry as directors, cinematographers, editors, and creatives. Likewise, Sine Siklab Festival Advisor and Former 24F President (2019-2020) Joshua Roque shared his org beginnings, film festival management, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating the org as a community of multi-generational filmmakers.
Closing the program, Fernandez took the stage to enlighten the audiences to reimagine that the organization has to be well-sustained during its ups and downs, reminding the future of Philippine cinema will reach new heights despite the challenges that the industry is facing. Daring everyone to see how each and everyone will be in the next ten years, he acknowledged and thanked the attendees, alongside those who supported the inception and evolution of the organization. After gathering everyone for a group photo, the venue transformed into a rave party, courtesy of dished throwback dance tunes by DJ Samuel Fnderio, reliving the CIIT college experience.
24 Frames (24F) is a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) of CIIT College of Arts and Technology, founded on June 14, 2014. With 20 pioneer members led by Fernandez, the org branched out with an events production studio (24F Multimedia Production) and the campus’ official film festival (Sine Siklab). In 2018, the org was awarded as the longest continuous existing organization by CIIT. In its 10th anniversary this year, 24F was instated as an official partner of FDCP’s Academic Film Society.
‘10 YEARS: The Homecoming and Celebration of 24 Frames’ was held last June 22, 2024 by 24F Multimedia Production. See more photos from the event and the full program video here (exclusive to members only).