MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Now on its sixth run, Nespresso Talents 2021 is inviting filmmakers to showcase their talent through a global competition that challenges them to produce a short film in vertical format (9:16). This year’s theme is “Doing is Everything,” which roots from the challenging realities the world is currently facing, yet without overlooking that even the smallest action can create an extraordinary positive change in the lives of others.
“Nespresso is more than just good coffee—it’s an advocacy to impact the world positively through our platforms. Film is yet another channel to further our commitment to sustainability,” shares Fabio De Gregorio, Nespresso Asia Regional Business Head.
“For over 30 years, Nespresso has been building a holistic business model that preserves exceptional coffee, supports coffee agriculture, and ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers. This same narrative of helping others is what we want to get across through Nespresso Talents. Essentially, we are spreading awareness about the ripple effect of our actions and our innate responsibility towards nature and people,” says Patrick Pesengco, Novateur Coffee Concepts Managing Director.
THE COMPETITION
Nespresso Talents 2021 is now open for entries in this link, with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and De La Salle University (DLSU) as returning partners who were part of the success in the past year’s run. There are two contest categories: national and international. All entries competing nationally will automatically qualify for the international category. A local jury will select the top 3 locally produced films.
The jurors consist of award-winning director, screenwriter, and author Jose Javier Reyes, a returning jury member from the previous year, multi-awarded filmmaker Quark Henares, and renowned actress, producer, director, screenwriter, author Bela Padilla, Patrick Pesengco, and Fabio de Gregorio. Making things more exciting, the roster will be joined by director, producer, and screenwriter Pepe Diokno, and screenwriter and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde Film Department scriptwriting teacher Wanggo Gallaga, as mentors who will conduct vertical filmmaking workshops.
Each participant can only submit one entry on the Nespresso Talents website. Submissions should be in vertical format (9:16), with the film length being between 2 minutes minimum and 3 minutes maximum. All genres are welcome (e.g. comedy, drama, educational, etc.) in the form of fiction, documentary, or animation. Submissions will close on May 16th. The shortlisted films for both international and local categories will be live on the website by mid-June followed by the awarding ceremonies in July.
The local category will award three winners. The 1st Selected Talent will take home a cash prize of 1,500€, the 2nd Selected Talent will get 1,000€, and the 3rd Selected Talent will get 500€. All three winners will also receive a Nespresso machine along with complimentary capsules on top of a well-deserved trophy.
LEARN ABOUT VERTICAL FILMMAKING
Through Nespresso Philippines’ partnership with DLSU and FDCP, film students, hobbyists, amateurs, and professional filmmakers from all over the Philippines are invited to join Nespresso’s 2-day virtual workshop on filmmaking in a vertical film format: Creative Visualization by Pepe Diokno on April 19, Monday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and Storytelling by Wanggo Gallaga on April 20, Tuesday, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Participants may register here for the Creative Visualization workshop and here for the Storytelling workshop. Limited slots only and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Zoom links will be emailed to participants once registration is confirmed.
SUSTAINABILITY AT HEART
Determined to create a positive impact, Nespresso will fully compensate the carbon footprint of Nespresso Talents. In collaboration with long-time partner PUR Projet, each filmmaker taking part in the contest will automatically have five (5) trees planted in his/her name to support the social business’ agroforestry projects. These trees will contribute to a large-scale initiative in partnership with PUR Projet transitioning coffee smallholders into organic coffee production through agroforestry, bringing to life the Doing is Everything movement.
The five previous editions of Nespresso Talents have received over 2,000 applications from 50 countries. Just last 2020, more than 740 videos were submitted from 48 different countries. With such massive recognition, it’s time to make your mark and test your creativity on a whole new level. Submit your entry before May 16 here.
In the Philippines, Nespresso Talents 2021 is in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Edukasyon.ph.
