iACADEMY

Students from iACADEMY's Animation program under the School of Design and the Arts have earned a place at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 with their 2D animated film, RUNO!. Following its recognition at the QCinema International Film Festival, the film's selection for Cinemalaya highlights the talent, creativity, and dedication of iACADEMY's young animators. Directed and created by Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Pateña, the story was inspired by their personal experience as dog lovers. The short animated film follows the journey of Runo, a Filipino stray rescue aspin (asong pinoy), defeating her worst enemy: an empty food bowl amidst a zombie apocalypse. 

Through its imaginative storytelling, the film highlights resilience, loyalty, and the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions.

Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival serves as a premier platform for independent filmmakers, championing original stories that reflect the realities and diverse experiences of Filipinos. Carrying the theme Reel Reflection, this year's festival highlights narratives that explore memory, trauma, and joy through authentic voices and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of both individual and collective experiences.

“This milestone reflects iACADEMY's unwavering commitment to nurturing aspiring filmmakers by providing guidance, industry-standard facilities, advanced tools, and hands-on learning experiences that empower students to create meaningful works with lasting societal impact.” said by Keith Sicat, Head of iACADEMY’s Vision Creative Unit and President of the Directors Guild of the Philippines.

"RUNO! reflects the kind of storytelling we encourage in iACADEMY’s Animation Program, stories that are deeply personal, technically excellent, and emotionally resonant. Lysa and Jazmine transformed a simple, heartfelt inspiration into a compelling animated film that demonstrates both artistic vision and professional-level execution. Their achievement at Cinemalaya reinforces the value of an education grounded in creativity, collaboration, and industry practice." - shared by Hamill Buyco, Dean of School of Design and the Arts.

"As educators, one of our greatest rewards is seeing students discover their own creative voice and confidently share it with the world. RUNO! is proof that strong technical skills become even more powerful when paired with authentic storytelling. We are incredibly proud of Lysa and Jazmine for representing not only iACADEMY’s Animation program but also the next generation of Filipino animators.”  - stated by Monique Fandagani, iACADEMY’s Program Coordinator for Animation Program.

Adding to this achievement, this animated film also highlights the collaborative spirit of the institution, featuring a talented crew of iACADEMY BS Animation (BSAN) students who served as the animation staff—further proving the industry-ready caliber of our student filmmakers 

As the film industry continues to evolve alongside rapid technological advancements, iACADEMY remains steadfast in its mission to deliver industry-driven education that equips graduates with the skills, creativity, and confidence to thrive in the professional world.