The Department of Agrarian Reform Central and Regional Film Festival 2026 ( DARCRFF 2026) with the theme of “Tinig ng Lupang Malaya: Kwento at Aral-Agraryo, Butil na Pamana sa Kabataan (Voices of the Liberated Land: Agrarian Stories and Lessons, Seeds of Legacy for the Youth)”, offers an exciting platform for tertiary-level  students across the Ilocos Region to celebrate their passion for filmmaking and advocate for the promotion of the success stories of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) and projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). This platform aims to inspire and motivate participants in showcasing their creative expertise in cinema while featuring inspirational success stories.

DARCRFF 2026 aims to become an annual showcase of cinematic brilliancy, inclusivity, passion and inspiration.

This section outlines the criteria and parameters for participation in the DARCRFF 2026.

• Participants for major/lead production roles must be currently enrolled from any private or public colleges or universities across the Ilocos Region.

• Only students currently enrolled for the academic year 2025-2026, 2026-2027 are eligible to participate as Head/Lead Producer/s, Director/s, Writer/s, Cinematographer/s, Production Designer/s, Sound Designer/s, and Film Editor/s. Proof of enrollment must be submitted.

• Participants must be Filipino citizens or permanent residents of the Ilocos Region.

• Material Production: Entries must have been produced but not commercially distributed (TV, Online, Theater) within the period from January 2026 to June 2026.

• Geographic Reach: DARCRFF 2026 extends its reach across the entire Ilocos Region.

Moreover, we recognize the eagerness of educational institutions to make meaningful contributions to the event. In line with this:

• School Submissions: Educational institutions are permitted to submit multiple entries across both categories, serving as a testament to the collective creativity within their student body.

• Production Team/Crew Limitation: However, it is important to note that each production team/crew can submit one entry for each category. This approach ensures that the entries are well represented in terms of quality and diversity, resulting in a well-rounded showcase of outstanding student filmmaking.

DARCRFF 2026 is open to Narrative Films that feature true to life stories that develop through the use of characters, plot and conflict, captivating audiences with compelling storytelling within its corresponding categories.

 ARB Category 

Shall feature a Department of Agrarian Reform, and/or SPLIT Project beneficiary

 ARBO Category 

Shall feature an ARB organization for DAR’s regular programs

The doors of all DAR Offices are open for interested parties for either invites for school visitation or walk-in inquiries on the possible subject of the short film.

• Each submitted short film must strictly have a runtime of 10-20 minutes, including title card and credits.

• The film’s content production must be original and created specifically for this competition. No part of the submission may have been previously submitted to any other contest, festival, or public screening (excluding academic settings).

• Certification as to the authenticity of the success stories of the ARB or ARBO as the subject of the short film to be submitted must be obtained from the Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO).

• Film may be in any language or dialect but must include English subtitles.

All entries must be submitted digitally through the Online Submission Form on or before the submission deadline with complete requirements. No late submissions will be accepted.

Requirements:

1.     Online Submission Form

a.     Representative

• Demographics

b.     School

c.     Proof of enrollment

d.     Logline

e.     Synopsis

f.       List of Production Crew

g.     Poster

• Dimension: 27 inches by 40 inches

• File format: PNG

• Resolution: 8,100 px by 12,000 px

• Orientation: Portrait

• Incorporate the provided “Official Entry for PelikulAgraryo” graphics

• Include the following institutional logos in this order: DAR – Project SPLIT – Bagong Pilipinas

• Include the logo of the participants' school / university / college / production house, or organization

• Indicate the name of the school / university / college / production house, or organization

• Include the names of the Director, cast members, and production team

• Include the title of the short film

Access the “Official Entry for PelikulAgraryo” graphics and institutional logos here:
https://bit.ly/Submission2026

h.     Film

• Duration: 10-20 minutes inclusive credits

• File format: MP4

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9

• Orientation: Landscape

• Resolution: Minimum of 1080 HD

• With English Subtitles (Font: Gotham Bold, Color: White)

i.       Teaser

• Duration: 10-30 seconds

• File format: MP4

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9

• Orientation: Landscape

• Incorporate the provided “Official Entry for PelikulAgraryo” graphics anywhere on the teaser

• Include the following institutional logos in this order: DAR – Project SPLIT – Bagong Pilipinas

• Include the title of the short film

Access the “Official Entry for PelikulAgraryo” graphics and institutional logos here:
https://bit.ly/Submission2026

j.       Five (5) Behind-the-scene images or footage

k.     Five (5) Film stills

l.       Director’s intent

m.   Producer’s intent

2.     Representative’s Proof of Enrollment (ID or Certificate of Registration)

For students who wish to represent their respective schools rather than just their production house/organization, they must request permission from their school by providing an endorsement letter from their academic adviser and/or dean through an email.

If participants are below 18 years old, include a consent form for minors, duly signed by their guardians/parents.

These documents are essential to ensure proper registration and participation in DARCRFF 2026. Please make sure to accomplish the registration form via Google Forms and submit the applicable documents corresponding to your category of participation.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that all music used in their films complies with copyright and licensing laws. Any music, including background music and soundtracks, or any elements used in the films must have the necessary permits, and licenses, or be royalty-free. Proper credit must be given to the creators or rights holders of any music used in the film.

Entries must not infringe upon the rights, including copyrights and intellectual property rights, of any third party. The organizers will not be responsible for any copyright-related issues that may arise from the use of music in the submitted entries.

Participants who engage in plagiarism or use of copyrighted material without permission will also face disqualification and potential legal action.

The contest will have an open call for participants. During this period, schools and production houses can register via PelikulAgraryo Online Registration Form accessible via https://bit.ly/CallforParticipantsForm. Confirmed participating school representatives and production houses will undergo a two-day film workshop.

The contest will feature a regional elimination round, followed by a national finals event. Winners of the regional elimination round will serve as the representatives of the Ilocos Region and progress to the national competition.

1. Screening and Judging of Short Film Entries ...................... August 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026

2. National Awarding of Winners ....................................................... October 2026

Should be evaluated on a wide range of elements that contribute to the overall success of a film, including storytelling, direction, acting, technical aspects, and emotional impact.

• Storytelling, Narrative, and Message (30%)

 The story is compelling, original, and engaging throughout with a clear narrative arc and emotional depth, and delivers a powerful, thought-provoking message that resonates with the audience.

• Direction (10%)

Direction is masterful, with a clear vision that enhances the story, performances, and technical execution.

• Acting and Performances (10%)

Acting is exceptional, with convincing and powerful performances that enhance the characters and story.

• Cinematography (10%)

Visuals are stunning and enhance the film’s tone, mode, and storytelling through creative camera work, lighting and composition.

• Editing and Pacing (10%)

Editing is seamless and enhances the flow, rhythm, and pacing of the film, maintaining audience engagement throughout.

• Sound Design and Music (10%)

Sound design is immersive, enhancing the film’s atmosphere, mood, and storytelling; the score complements the tone perfectly.

• Production Design (10%)

Sets, locations, costumes, and props are highly detailed and perfectly suited to the film’s tone and setting.

• Overall Cohesion (10%)

All elements (story, direction, acting, visuals, sound, etc.) come together to create a cohesive, immersive experience.

Should be assessed not only the technical aspects of the script but also the creativity, structure, and character development.

• Narrative Pacing, Flow, Tone, and Mood (30%)

The pacing is perfectly controlled, maintaining engagement and tension throughout.

• Cohesiveness of Film (20%)

Characters are well-developed, and the director elicits outstanding performances from the actors.

• Use of Cinematic Techniques (15%)

The director makes masterful use of camera work, lighting, sound, and editing to enhance story.

• Innovation and Creativity (15%)

The direction shows innovation, creativity, and fresh approaches to storytelling or technical execution.

Should be evaluated by the performance in terms of emotional depth, authenticity, character portrayal, and overall impact on the film.

• Emotional Range (20%)

The actor/actress demonstrates exceptional emotional range, transitioning seamlessly between emotions with authenticity.

• Dialogue Delivery (20%)

Dialogue is delivered with perfect timing, clear enunciation, and appropriate emotion, enhancing the character’s personality and intentions.

• Physicality and Body Language (20%)

The actor/actress uses physicality and body language expertly, enhancing the character’s presence and emotions without overacting.

• Screen Presence and Emotional Impact (20%)

The actor/actress commands attention every moment they are on screen, making the character highly engaging and memorable and evokes deep emotional responses from the audience, making the character’s journey unforgettable.

• Consistency of Performance (20%)

The performance is consistently excellent throughout the film/show, maintaining a high standard in every scene.

Should be assessed not only the technical aspects of the script but also the creativity, originality, structure, and character development.

• Theme and Depth of Message (30%)

The screenplay explores complex themes with depth, delivering a powerful and thought-provoking message.

• Originality and Creativity (20%)

The screenplay is highly original, with innovative ideas, unique concepts, or fresh approaches to storytelling.

• Plot Structure and Pacing (20%)

The plot is masterfully structured, with well-timed pacing that maintains engagement and flows naturally.

• Character Development (15%)

Characters are deeply developed, with clear motivations, growth, and distinctive voices.

• Dialogue (15%)

Dialogue is sharp, realistic, and engaging, perfectly suited to the characters and setting.

Should be evaluated through the technical and artistic aspects of editing, including pacing, transitions, continuity, and how well the editing supports the narrative and emotional tone of the film.

• Narrative Flow and Coherence (30%)

The editing enhances the story’s clarity, making the narrative flow smoothly and easy to follow.

• Pacing and Rhythm (20%)

The editing perfectly controls the pacing, maintaining engagement and enhances the emotional moments, using perfect timing to heighten tension, drama, or humor.

• Continuity and Consistency (20%)

The editing ensures flawless continuity, with no visible errors or jarring cuts that break immersion.

• Creative and Innovative Editing (15%)

The editing showcases creative or innovative techniques that enhance the storytelling or visual experience.

• Scene Transitions and Visual Storytelling (15%)

Scene transitions enhance the visual storytelling, using edits to convey meaning or emotion effectively.

Should be evaluated based on how well the visual elements of a film—such as lighting, framing, camera movement, and shot composition—enhance the story, mood, and overall experience.

• Visual Storytelling (30%)

Cinematography significantly enhances the storytelling, using visual cues and symbolism to convey deeper meaning.

• Lighting (20%)

Lighting is masterful, perfectly enhancing mood, tone, and character while serving the story.

• Shot Composition, Focus, Camera Movement, and Framing (20%)

The composition is visually stunning, sharp, with expertly framed shots that elevate the story and immerse the viewer. Camera movement is dynamic and fluid, enhancing the storytelling and immersing the viewer without distraction.

• Use of Color (15%)

The use of color is bold and intentional, enhancing the emotional tone, atmosphere, and symbolism in the film.

• Mood and Atmosphere (15%)

Cinematography establishes a strong mood and atmosphere that enhances the emotional and thematic depth of the film.

Major Awards

Best ARB Category Film – P120,000.00

Second Best Film – P60,000. 00

Third Best Film – P40,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Director – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Actor – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Actress – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Cinematography -  P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Editing – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Screenplay – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best ARBO Category Film – P120,000.00

Second Best Film – P60,000. 00

Third Best Film – P40,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Director – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Actor – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Actress – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Cinematography -  P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Editing – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Best Screenplay – P30,000.00

Honorable Mention

Special Awards per Category (Certificates)

Best Production Design

Honorable Mention

Best Sound

Honorable Mention

Best Poster

Best Teaser

Jury Award

Special Citation

Special Citation Award for Music

Special Citation Award for Acting (Male Category)

Special Citation Award for Acting (Female Category)

Participation Award

By participating in DARCRFF 2026, the participant confirms their agreement to the terms and conditions.