MANILA, Philippines ? Also at the Cinemalaya festival are 10 short films. Often overlooked, Filipino short films have received acclaim here and abroad. Six Cinemalaya shorts were showcased in the 6th Festival Paris Cinema recently.

Some of this year?s filmmakers shared some shooting anecdotes.

Joel Ruiz (?Ang Ibang Mga Pamilya?) said shooting in a funeral parlor was a challenge, as there were mourners in the other chapels.

Vitaliano A. Rave?s (?Huling Biktima?) shoot was ?smooth-sailing; post-production was bloody.?

At the end of the shoot, LA Yamsuan, (?Tutos?) felt ?exhilarated.? It was a relief not only to him, he said, but to the entire cast and crew.?

Milo Tolentino (?Andong?) said Cinemalaya ?guides, nurtures and encourages? short filmmakers.

Anna G. Bigornia (?My Pet?) agreed: ?It allows first-timers like me to share our ideas and experiences.?

Cinemalaya 2008 is a homecoming for Mark V. Reyes, whose ?God Only Knows? has been screened in festivals abroad. ?Cinemalaya allows us to share our passion for short films with everyone,? he said. ?To be invited ? validates our work.? Bayani San Diego Jr.