I first saw Kristian Somera‘s Thy Will Be Done in the Ateneo Human Knights Film Festival Press Screening. It was my favorite among the films I viewed that day. I watched the film again for the 6th Mindanao FilmFest and my initial impression of the film didn’t change.

Thy Will Be Done is made by Ateneo de Davao University communications majors including director Somera, producer Carmelle Jumawan and the film’s lead actress Diana Grace Juaban. They are mentored by multi-awarded filmmaker and professor, Ronald Bautista. The film won as Best Student Film in the 6th Mindanao FilmFest.

Thy Will Be Done stood out from a field of good competitors, which you never imagine to be made by students. What I liked about the film is how the story was revealed. For this, I give much credit to the story writer and the director.

Adding strength to the film is the credible acting by Juaban. She comes off as a natural and you would notice that she’s an amateur. She delivers her lines without hesitation and acts without the OA factor that most amateur actors are prone to doing.

Technically, the film could have done better in the cinematography, lighting, and sound editing. Then again, taking into consideration that this a film made by students with limited time and resources, the film passes.

The story is intriguing and the way it was revealed was done seamlessly. It’s the plot that really carries this film and reaped awards.

Somera and his team did an excellent job in delivering a not so simple plot in an interesting manner. With Somera and Juaban also being part of the winning film, Bakak, I am looking forward to greater things from these two and the rest of their team.

Also credited for the film are Ralph Divinagracia, Meje Timosan, Chelsea Jugador, Gladys Bulac, Lara Mel Aspacio, Klenn Mae Dudlin, Meighan Sembrano, and Joanna Corpuz. Congratulations to Kristian Somera and his “Thy Will Be Done” crew!