Teresa (2025 film)

Teresa
Directed by	Paulo Xavier
Written by	Paulo Xavier
Produced by	WWvK KidsRights State of Youth Elia Ilano
Edited by	Dave Ramirez
Music by	Jerecho Sanchez Nesperos
Distributed by	SOY MNL Productions
Release date	2025 (2025)
Country	Philippines
Language	Filipino

Teresa is a 2025 Philippine Philippine drama short film directed by Paulo Xavier and starred Elia Ilano. ^{[1] [2]} 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. ^[3]

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. ^[4]

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. ^[5] This short film has its premiere last September 2025 at select local cinemas and schools in the Philippines. ^[6]

Accolades

Year	Award ceremony	Category	Recipient(s)	Result	Ref
2025	Campinas Film Festival (Brazil)	Best Director	Paulo Xavier	Won	[7]
	Campinas Film Festival (Brazil)	Best Actress	Elia Ilano	Won	[7]
	Campinas Film Festival (Brazil)	Best International Short Film (Honorable Mention)	Teresa	Won	[7]
	Seven Colors Australian Film Festival (SCAFF)	Official Selection	Teresa	Selected	[8]
	Tampok Film Festival 2025	3rd Best Picture and Audience Choice Award	Teresa	Won	[9]
	Amader International Film Festival (India)	Official Selection	Teresa	Selected	[10]

References

1. "Elia Ilano to take lead role in the film "Teresa" — MY P.E.P. (People, Events, Places)". Asian Journal News. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
2. Medina, Oggie (August 3, 2025). "Elia Ilano Bibida sa Pelikulang "Teresa"". Police Files Tonite. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
3. "13 CHAPTERS RECEIVE FUNDING THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE PROJECT THEME FUND!". State of Youth. June 30, 2025. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
4. "Teresa". Mabumbe Tanzania. September 1, 2025. Retrieved December 30, 2025.
5. "INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S PEACE PRIZE PROJECT FUND". KidsRights.org. June 25, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
6. "Elia Ilano to take lead role in the film "Teresa"". Asian Journal. August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
7. Butoh, Joao (December 20, 2025). "Campinas Film Festival Winners List".
8. Medina, Oggie (November 16, 2025). "Teresa Goes to Australia".
9. "TAMPOK FESTIVAL: SHOWCASING FILIPINO STORIES IN THEATER AND FILM". November 16, 2025.
10. "Teresa goes to India!". Police Files Tonite. Retrieved January 14, 2026.