Ana Antipuesto holding the top prizes for the Sinulog Film Fest 2023. | Lara Batulan.
Ana’s wunderkind success was not solely a result of her own imaginative abilities, but also of the innate talent she inherited from her father.Ana’s father is Ruel Antipuesto, a celebrated Cebuano film director and cinematographer, christened as “The Godfather of Cebuano Filmmaking.” When asked about her fondest memory of her father, she nostalgically shared, “I believe it was because I was afraid of horror movies, and I could not stomach even thinking about watching one. So he wanted to prove to me that it’s all just effects. To do that, we made our own horror movie.”
Nestled in the same love for storytelling, it wasn’t just film that bound them. It was art in general that tied their kindred spirits.In the realm of film, Ana’s filmmaking endeavor unfolded like a captivating reel of moments woven together by the threads of familial support and personal vision. Ana’s father stood as her steadfast compass throughout the filming journey, guiding her with his expertise.In these moments, Ana’s creative spirit also flourished. Together, they ventured into uncharted territory, experimenting with shots and capturing moments that embody the essence of the story.