THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), formally launched the 10th edition of Indie-Siyensya Film Festival on Oct. 19, 2026, featuring movies of science-inspired storytelling.
The Indie-Siyensya Film Festival brings a series of film screenings and engagement activities to Davao City, featuring a type of cinema that takes a closer look at scientific concepts, technology, and innovations that impact society.
Themed “Science Without Borders: Solutions and Opportunities for All,” this year’s film festival focuses on how science is deeply connected to the lives of people and how it creates opportunities to solve community problems and real-world challenges.
It also marks a milestone for the annual event that continues its pursuit to make science more accessible and relevant to the everyday lives of Filipinos.
“This is where film becomes especially meaningful. Film allows us to encounter experiences beyond our own. It enables us to understand perspectives you may not have considered and to recognize how scientific discoveries and innovations affect people differently,” DOST-SEI chief science research specialist Dr. Randolf Sasota said during the opening ceremony.
“For the past ten years, we have reached almost 20,000 Filipinos, told around a hundred meaningful stories, and conducted more than a hundred screenings, and this is just the beginning,” he added.
Ten entries from the Youth and Open category were selected in the competition, which will be screened throughout the event.
All films were produced by young and talented filmmakers who explored how science is understood and practiced in action in different sectors.
The scheduled screening for the 10th Indie-Siyensya Film Festival will run from Oct. 20 to 21 during the afternoons.
Indie-Siyensya Film Festival is an annual filmmaking competition in the Philippines organized by DOST-SEI to promote scientific ideas that engage a wider audience.
It also serves as a platform to encourage critical thinking and open conversations about relevant issues.