Maria Elena Catajan
- Whammy Alcazaren’s ‘Water Sports’ in the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya - October 10, 2025
- The Republic of One: Renei Dimla’s Republika ng Pipolipinas - October 8, 2025
- Ascension by Hannah Silvestre, a short film for the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya - October 7, 2025
Director Whammy Alcazaren presents an Apocalyptic Romcom in the backdrop of climate change.
The short film competing for in the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya, Water Sports, is a 19-minute, 36-second short film that blends apocalyptic dread with unexpected romantic comedy.
Water Sports, centers on two young men, Jelson and Ipe, deeply in love and grappling with a world ravaged by ecological collapse. Their journey is spurred by the optimistic mantra of their teacher (played by Ricky Davao): a strong heart and mind, coupled with an iron will, can triumph over any hardship. As the boys undergo intense physical and mental trials to prepare for survival, they—and the audience—are led to a profound realization.
The film sets the tone with the two sad boys harnessing the power of their love in an attempt to survive a world devastated by climate change.”
The film stars talented actors Elijah Canlas and Renz Javier, with Bon Lentejas rounding out the main cast.
ALCAZAREN is a multi-awarded porn director and production designer for film and advertising. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Film Institute, a participant of the 2013 13 Little Pictures Film lab in Singapore, 2016 Festival Belluard Bollwek Watch and Talk Residency in Switzerland, and 2024 Berlinale Talents. As production designer, he is a frequent collaborator with director Carlo Manatad for Whether the Weather is Fine (2022, Locarno Concorso Cineasti del presente) and director Raya Martin for Death of Nintendo (2020, Berlinale Generations). His most recent collaboration as production designer is for Sam Manacsa’s short film Cross my Heart and Hope to Die, which premiered in 2024 Cinemalaya and the Venice Film Festival 2023. His first short film Bold Eagle won Best International Short at the Fantasia Film Festival 2023. The film was also screened in the 61st New York Film Festival and the 40th Edition of the Sundance Film Festival. He is currently in development of his next feature, Noodles, Our Love was Instant and Forever.
The production team includes Carlo Francisco Manatad as editor, Berhil Cruz as cinematographer, and Ana Lou Sanchez as production designer. The original music score is crafted by Sage Ilagan and Caloy Soliongco, ensuring the film’s unique tone is matched by its auditory experience. Produced by Alemberg Ang and Mara Ravelo Bernaldo, “Water Sports” promises to be a visually striking, emotionally complex, and surprisingly charming take on the end of the world. By Maria Elena Catajan
