Assistant Professor Raz dela Torre (second from right) addresses aspiring filmmakers and participants during the Isabela Film Academy 2026. (Photo courtesy of Isabela Tourism Office)
More than 100 aspiring filmmakers from across Isabela honed their storytelling and filmmaking skills under the guidance of industry professionals, including a University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Assistant Professor Raz dela Torre, who served as a masterclass mentor and speaker during the Isabela Film Academy 2026 held from July 16 to 18, 2026 at the Isabela State University (ISU) Climate Change Center in Echague, Isabela.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Isabela through the Isabela Tourism Office in partnership with the Isabela Tourism and Cultural Officers Association (ITCOA), the three-day film camp provided participants with lectures, workshops, and hands-on mentoring in filmmaking and visual storytelling.
Participants and organizers gather for a group photo during the Isabela Film Academy. (Photo courtesy of Isabela Tourism and Cultural Officers Association)
During the academy, dela Torre facilitated sessions on storytelling, narrative structure, and audiovisual production. He guided participants in developing short films and documentaries that highlighted local culture, heritage, and community narratives while applying industry-standard storytelling techniques.
Drawing from his experience as a UPOU faculty member and industry practitioner with ABS-CBN RCD Narratives, dela Torre mentored participants through project-based learning activities that simulated professional filmmaking processes, from concept development to production.
He joined fellow mentors Director Dado Lumibao, Director Kevin Alambra, and ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Roda Dela Cerna in providing technical and creative guidance throughout the workshop.
Assistant Professor Raz dela Torre (second from right) poses with the participants during the recognition and awarding of certificates at the conclusion of the Isabela Film Academy 2026. (Photo courtesy of Isabela Tourism and Cultural Officers Association)
The Isabela Film Academy aims to strengthen the province’s creative sector by equipping aspiring filmmakers with practical production skills and encouraging them to tell stories that celebrate Isabela’s culture, heritage, tourism, and identity through film and digital media.
Dela Torre’s participation reflects FICS’ continuing commitment to advancing media education by connecting academic expertise with industry practice and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the Isabela Film Academy, FICS continues to support emerging storytellers and promote the use of communication and digital media for cultural preservation and social development.
Written by: Loren P. Sta. Ana
Edited by: Asst. Prof. Shaira F. Tanay