Filipino filmmakers Darryll Rapacon and Rodson Verr Suarez have marked a significant milestone after becoming finalists in the world’s first AI Film Awards, held during the One Billion Followers Summit in Dubai. Their film, Portrait No. 72, rose above 3,500 submissions from around the world, earning recognition for its strong emotional impact.
The achievement was first noted last month when Portrait No. 72 was announced as one of the shortlisted works. It also stood out as the only Filipino entry to make the list, highlighting a notable moment for Filipino representation on an international creative platform.
Although the film was produced using artificial intelligence, it drew attention for more than just its technical approach. It was emphasized that the project is still full of heart/love, underscoring the emotional depth behind the AI-driven process.
The recognition brings Filipino creativity into the global spotlight, showing how local filmmakers are exploring new ways to tell human stories through emerging technologies. As a finalist, Portrait No. 72 reflects how innovation and emotion can coexist in modern filmmaking.
With AI continuing to influence creative industries worldwide, the Filipino-made film serves as a reminder that advancing technology does not diminish the heart of storytelling, which remains deeply human regardless of the tools used.
