A story of how one small deed can be a catalyst for change, shot in vertical format: With Nespresso Talents 2020, this could be all that a Filipino filmmaker needs to join the prestigious global roster of auteurs who have presented their filmic visions at the Cannes Film Festival.

Now on its fifth year globally, Nespresso Talents continues to innovate the art and craft of filmmaking all over the world by presenting Filipino storytellers the opportunity to flex their creativity and highlighting the unique perspective that the vertical format can provide. As a celebration of meaningful storytelling, the competition invites both budding and expert filmmakers to brew infinite possibilities, express diverse points of view, and propel filmmaking into innovative and inclusive avenues. The Philippines is currently the only Southeast Asian country joining the competition.

 For this year’s theme, Nespresso Talents shines the spotlight on Virtuous Circles: Stories and cycles of how one good deed, no matter how small, enacts significant change with the chain reaction it sets off. The country is full of stories such as these, with the bayanihan spirit and the inherent resilience among Filipinos at the heart of every positive viral story about success and progress in the face of adversity. The theme also reflects Nespresso’s belief in circularity, where the brand pays back and pays forward to the communities from where it sources its coffee.

Aside from a three-minute running time that will challenge filmmakers to tell their stories as concisely and creatively as they can, the vertical format (9:16) is also a nod to the growing trend of how global audiences are now viewing video content. Both the theme and the format are Nespresso’s way of recognizing the impact that millennials have on global culture—particularly their concern for social justice and how they have integrated technology seamlessly into their daily lives.

The films can be shot with any device as long as it meets the vertical format. Submissions can also come in any genre.

Nespresso Talents 2020 will be open for entries from February 11 – March 25, 2020. For the National Contest, there will be a shortlist of 10 entries, with a select jury choosing the three best short films. The winning filmmakers will receive cash prizes: €1,500 for the first prize, €1,000 for the second prize, and €500 for the third prize. All three will also receive a trophy and a Nespresso coffee machine and capsules.

The top prize winner will also be invited to attend as a Philippine delegate to the Nespresso Talents awarding and enjoy an all-expense paid trip to the 2020 Cannes Film Festival.

For the International Contest, a shortlist of 30 videos will be reviewed and narrowed down to 15 entries by the international jury, who will then select the top three films. The filmmakers of the three best entries will be invited to go on an all-expense paid trip to the Cannes Film Festival, where they will present their films at a private Nespresso event on May 15, 2020. They will also benefit from one-hour mentoring sessions with cinema professionals at the festival. The winners for the International Contest will also receive €5,000 for the first prize, €3,000 for the second prize, and €2,000 for the third prize.

“Storytelling is part of Nespresso’s brand DNA, and we want to present a global platform to Filipino storytellers and help them make the most out of it,” says Patrick Pesengco, Managing Director of Novateur Coffee Concepts Inc. “We hope that Nespresso Talents inspires them to foster positive change and influence culture through this medium, which they are passionate about.”

A supporter of cinema and dynamic storytelling, Nespresso has had long partnerships with 12 global film festivals. It continues to be dedicated to fostering talent and celebrating passion and expertise all over the world.

Novateur Coffee Concepts Marketing Manager Mia Silva, Film Development Council of the Philippines Executive Director David Fabros, Marc Nelson, Director Joey Reyes, Director Carlo Catu, Nespresso PH 2018 Vertical Shorts 2nd prize winner Kevin Tuason, Founder and Former Chair of Benilde Film Jag Garcia, Novateur Coffee Concepts Marketing Head Melissa Valdez and Novateur Coffee Concepts Managing Director Patrick Pesengco