Teresa is a 2025 Philippine Philippine drama short film directed by Paulo Xavier and starred Elia Ilano. 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.
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.
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. This short film has its premiere last September 2025 at select local cinemas and schools in the Philippines.
Accolades YearAward ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef2025 Campinas International Film Festival Brazil Best Director Paulo Xavier Campinas International Film Festival Brazil Best Actress Elia Ilano Campinas International Film Festival Brazil Best International Short Film (Honorable Mention) Teresa Seven Colors Australian Film Festival (SCAFF) Australia Official Selection Teresa Tampok Film Festival 2025 3rd Best Picture and Audience Choice Award Teresa Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Official Selection Teresa 2026 Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Best Director Paulo Xavier Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Best Actress Elia Ilano Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Best Drama Film Teresa Amader International Short Film Festival 2026 (Kolkata, India) Best Actor Symon de Lena 6th Spiny Babbler International Film Festival 2026 Bangladesh Best International short Film Motivational Director Paulo Xavier 6th Spiny Babbler International Film Festival 2026 Bangladesh Best International short Film Director of Photography Dave Ramirez
References