Teresa (2025 film)
| Teresa | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Paulo Xavier |
| Written by | Paulo Xavier |
| Produced by | WWvK KidsRights State of Youth Elia Ilano |
| Edited by | Dave Ramirez |
| Music by | Jerecho Sanchez Nesperos |
| Distributed by | SOY MNL Productions |
Release date |
|
| Country | Philippines |
| Language | Filipino |
Teresa is a 2025 Philippine Philippine drama short film directed by Paulo Xavier and starred Elia Ilano.[1][2] State of Youth Manila's Teresa short film project was selected and funded by the International Children's Peace Prize through its Theme Fund Project Initiative.[3]
Plot
In a world where dreams are often limited by poverty and prejudice, a Grade 10 student from a struggling neighborhood, dares to dream of becoming an engineer. Gifted and passionate about science, she battles the weight of gender stereotypes especially from her traditional teacher, Mr. Reyes, who insists engineering is a man’s world. Inspired and undeterred, she begins forging her path with determination, sketching designs by candlelight and challenging the very beliefs that sought to hold her back.[4]
Cast
- Elia Ilano as Teresa Advincula
- Bodjie Pascua as Principal Cruz
- Ataska Mercado as Ms. Joan Alvarez
- Symon de Leña as Carlo
- Malou Canzana as Mila
- Richard Ubalde as Mr. Reyes
- Vinz Aceremo as Harry
- Romulo Gonzaga Jr. as Raphael
- Cath Daymoto as Mae
- Lyka Pepito as Jessica
Production
This short film from State of Youth Manila (SOY MNL Productions) was selected for funding through the International Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund. Teresa is tackling gender inequality at the grassroots level.[5] This short film has its premiere last September 2025 at select local cinemas and schools in the Philippines.[6]
Accolades
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Campinas International Film Festival (Brazil) | Best Director | Paulo Xavier | Won | [7] |
| Campinas International Film Festival (Brazil) | Best Actress | Elia Ilano | Won | [7] | |
| Campinas International Film Festival (Brazil) | Best International Short Film (Honorable Mention) | Teresa | Won | [7] | |
| Seven Colors Australian Film Festival (SCAFF) | Official Selection | Teresa | Selected | [8] | |
| Tampok Film Festival 2025 | 3rd Best Picture and Audience Choice Award | Teresa | Won | [9] | |
| Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) | Official Selection | Teresa | Selected | [10] | |
| 2026 | Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) | Best Director | Paulo Xavier | Won | [11] |
| Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) | Best Actress | Elia Ilano | Won | [12] | |
| Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) | Best Drama Film | Teresa | Won | [13] | |
| Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) | Best Actor | Symon de Lena | Won | [14] |
References
- ^ "Elia Ilano to take lead role in the film "Teresa" — MY P.E.P. (People, Events, Places)". Asian Journal News. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
- ^ Medina, Oggie (August 3, 2025). "Elia Ilano Bibida sa Pelikulang "Teresa"". Police Files Tonite. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ "13 CHAPTERS RECEIVE FUNDING THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE PROJECT THEME FUND!". State of Youth. June 30, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
- ^ "Teresa". Mabumbe Tanzania. September 1, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
- ^ "INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE PROJECT FUND". KidsRights.org. June 25, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
- ^ "Elia Ilano to take lead role in the film "Teresa"". Asian Journal. August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c Butoh, Joao (December 20, 2025). "Campinas Film Festival Winners List".
- ^ Medina, Oggie (November 16, 2025). "Teresa Goes to Australia".
- ^ "TAMPOK FESTIVAL: SHOWCASING FILIPINO STORIES IN THEATER AND FILM". November 16, 2025.
- ^ "Teresa goes to India!". Police Files Tonite. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
- ^ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
- ^ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
- ^ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
- ^ "Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 in Kolkata, India". policefilestonite.net. February 26, 2026. Retrieved February 26, 2026.