iACADEMY

iACADEMY, a tech and design school based in Makati, continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage as two of its iNDIEGENIUS Mentees secured spots in the Top 10 Best Asian Short Films of 2025, marking a milestone for Filipino storytelling.

Known for its industry-aligned and non-traditional approach to education, iACADEMY nurtures future-ready creatives and among its initiatives is an iNDIEGENIUS program that hones young artists, equipping them to share culturally rooted stories with regional and global audiences.

Leading the recognition is Kyla Danelle Romero, an iACADEMY iNDIEGENIUS Batch 2 mentee and finalist grantee, whose film Agapito ranked 3rd among the Best Asian Short Films of 2025.  Agapito also marked the first time a Filipina had a short film compete at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and only the second Filipino film to do so in 25 years. Romero is currently preparing to shoot the film she developed at iNDIEGENIUS.

Meanwhile, Cemento by fellow iNDIEGENIUS mentee and finalist grantee Justine Borlagdan earned the 9th spot on the same list. Its inclusion among Asia’s best highlights the growing visibility of Filipino student films in a highly competitive regional landscape.  Just like his batchmate, Borlagdan is preparing the film he pitched during iNDIEGENIUS for production.

“The iNDIEGENIUS Project Lab is proud of its mentees’ achievements as their works promote Filipino culture while raising the country’s creative and technical standards to an international level. These recognitions reflect how iACADEMY’s education model translates into real-world results. By empowering students to explore their innate cultural perspective with greater narrative depth, the school continues to produce globally competitive storytellers.” Keith Sicat, Program Director of iNDIEGENIUS and Creative Director of iACADEMY’s Vision Creative Unit.  Sicat also serves as the President of the Directors Guild of the Philippines. 

As iNDIEGENIUS mentees gain traction across Asia and the world, iACADEMY reinforces its direction toward global relevance. From Makati to the international film conversation, the institution moves forward with a clear vision: local stories, when honed with the right training, can resonate worldwide.