Providing a platform for student-artists to express their convictions through creative works, The Industrial Wheel, the official tertiary student publication of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus, opened the seventh edition of CineSulat: Film and Writing Festival at the New COBE Building Function Hall 2 on Wednesday, February 25.

Anchored on the theme “Sining at Paninindigan: Art of Our Time, Voice of the Youth,” the event features literary competitions such as feature writing, poetry writing, and essay writing, alongside oral contests including extemporaneous speaking, spoken poetry, and declamation.

In his inspirational message, Head and Technical Adviser of the Student Publications Office (SPO) Mr. Rex Palompon emphasized the importance of creative expression as a reflection of one’s identity and personal convictions.

“The expression you will share today, in whatever platform you will use, is a totality of the human you have become. It is in the silence of your thoughts that you draw a lot of ideas, wanting to share to the world—to the big world that is often silent because of FEAR. And here—there is limitless space, there is freedom, because your work is yours and your work is you alone,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his welcome message, Editor-in-Chief Alrey John Lacaba highlighted the significance of youth voices, emphasizing that storytelling can drive change and empower students.

“May this festival remind us that art, when guided by conviction, becomes a force for insight and dialogue. Nawa’y maging makabuluhan at makapangyarihan ang bawat likha, hindi lamang sa entablado o sa pahina, kundi sa mga pusong makakarinig at makakabasa nito,” Lacaba quoted.

In an interview, Kristel Janell Aborita, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) student and essay writing participant, said CineSulat provides a platform for EVSUnistas’ voices to be heard on a broader scale while fostering a sense of community among student-artists, noting that such opportunities hold value beyond recognition.

“I joined the 7th CineSulat mainly because of its purpose. As a writer who has been competing in various categories since I was in elementary, I know that this is how I can truly express myself and my commentary on social issues. And just like what I have mentioned during the interview with the participants, I was really hoping to bring back the spark that I once lost,” Aborita expressed.

The event will run until Friday, February 27, featuring the screening of film and documentary entries and the visual arts competition.

Article by Jairra Sey Villar