Direk Mardy Buniol Planas: Filipino Pride in Horror Cinema Triumphs with 4 Major Wins at Sine Short Film Fest Series 1

The spotlight shines once again on Filipino creativity and cinematic excellence as Direk Mardy Buniol Planas, one of the country’s most promising voices in horror cinema, emerged victorious at the Sine Short Film Fest Series 1, held last October 16, 2025, at Viva Café.

His gripping short horror film “Sangla” dominated the competition, winning four major awards — 2nd Best Horror Film, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Actress. These honors cement Direk Mardy’s reputation as a multi-awarded filmmaker whose work continues to redefine the boundaries of Philippine horror storytelling.

Horror with Heart and Meaning

Known for his distinct ability to blend fear, faith, and Filipino culture, Direk Mardy’s films are never just about jump scares or shock value. They delve into the human condition — exploring guilt, morality, and redemption amid the supernatural. From his early film “T608” to “Babala ng Isang Manghuhula” and now “Sangla,” his body of work carries an unmistakable spiritual undertone that elevates horror into something reflective and purposeful.

“Ang horror para sa akin ay hindi lang pananakot,” he explains. “Ito ay paraan para ipakita ang aral sa likod ng dilim. Sa bawat takot, may mensahe — at sa bawat kadiliman, may pananampalataya.”

That statement sums up his directorial philosophy — horror as a mirror to morality, a genre that teaches courage and faith by confronting darkness itself.

Inside the Mind of a Horror Director

When I sat down with Direk Mardy for this interview, I was struck by his calmness. He doesn’t fit the stereotype of a horror filmmaker obsessed with gore or fear. Instead, he speaks with quiet conviction, as though each frame of his film were a prayer — a plea to understand human frailty and divine strength.

“I never chose horror; it chose me,” he said with a faint smile. “A producer once saw potential in one of my horror concepts. We made T608, and everything started there. It was spontaneous, raw, but it felt like destiny.”

That debut film, T608, featured Bianca Anne Vergara and marked the birth of his cinematic identity. From there, Direk Mardy learned to master the art of emotional tension, the delicate interplay between suspense and empathy that makes his storytelling so effective.

“Every good horror story,” he adds, “isn’t about monsters — it’s about people. It’s about what we fear losing, and how faith brings us back.”

The Anatomy of Fear

As he describes his process, it’s evident that Direk Mardy approaches horror not as a genre, but as a psychological experience.

“An effective horror film,” he says, “is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Our beliefs in spirits, curses, and the unseen world are part of who we are. Even if science can’t explain them, they shape how we feel and live.”

He avoids relying on flashy visual effects, preferring psychological tension and emotional authenticity to carry the story.

“I play with the audience’s imagination. Fear is stronger when unseen — it’s what the mind creates that truly terrifies.”

Lighting, sound, and atmosphere, he notes, are “the invisible tools of fear.” In Sangla, subtle sounds of breathing, flickering lights, and silence itself serve as powerful emotional triggers.

“Lighting defines fear,” he says. “It shapes mystery. Sound, on the other hand, opens emotion. Together, they make you feel something real.”

As a journalist watching his process, I realized that his horror is not about cruelty or violence. It is about revelation — about confronting shadows to find truth.

When the Paranormal Meets the Personal

Interestingly, Direk Mardy’s fascination with horror is intertwined with personal experiences. He recounts stories of seeing a doppelgänger — both in the Philippines and the United States — experiences that made him question reality itself.

“I once thought I was talking to my sister through a window,” he recalls. “Later, I found out she was never there. Another time, I saw two people in an elevator — but only one was real. Those moments made me believe there’s something beyond what we see.”

As a director, he channels those experiences into storytelling.

“Before I scare others, I must scare myself first,” he laughs. “If I get frightened by my own work, then I know I’ve done it right.”

Such dedication — merging fear with authenticity — gives his films a spiritual resonance rarely seen in local horror cinema.

Faith Behind the Fear

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Direk Mardy’s career is his devout spirituality. Before every shoot, he leads his team in prayer.

“There was one time we forgot to pray,” he admits. “After filming, we saw an extra figure in the footage — a ghostly image of the actress who was still in her room. It reminded us never to start a shoot without acknowledging God’s protection.”

For him, faith and fear are inseparable — twin forces that shape human experience.

“In times of darkness,” he reflects, “black magic is never the answer — faith in God is.”

This is not superstition but conviction — a belief that art, like faith, must serve the light even when it explores the dark.

Triumphs and Testimony

Winning four awards at the Sine Short Film Fest Series 1 was more than a professional victory for Direk Mardy — it was validation of years of persistence, creativity, and faith.

Under Artista Film Productions and Artista Talent Management Services, he continues to nurture young artists and technical teams, giving opportunities to emerging talents who share his passion for storytelling.

“Hindi ko ginagawa ito para sa kompetisyon,” he insists. “Ginagawa ko ito dahil ito ang calling ko — at lahat ng talento ay dapat gamitin para magbigay inspirasyon.”

That sense of calling defines his success. His previous works, including Babala ng Isang Manghuhula (2024) and Sangla (2025), showcase a director unafraid to evolve — experimenting with themes of sin, redemption, and supernatural consequence.

Each film is a spiritual statement: that evil can be depicted, but never glorified — that even in horror, goodness must prevail.

Reflections as a Journalist: The Art of Fear and Faith

As I observed Direk Mardy speak, what struck me most was how his worldview stands in quiet rebellion against the trend of sensational horror. In his world, fear is not entertainment — it’s enlightenment.

He reminds me that Filipino horror has always been deeply cultural — from ancestral folklore to urban legends — yet in his hands, it becomes a form of moral storytelling. He transforms genre into message, fright into faith.

Writing this piece, I am reminded of something essential: the best filmmakers are not just artists; they are truth-seekers. Direk Mardy’s works force us to look within — to confront our own fears, guilt, and longing for light.

He is not simply crafting horror — he is crafting hope disguised as fear.

A Legacy in the Making

For Direk Mardy, the future of Filipino cinema lies in the heart of its creators — not in big budgets or special effects, but in sincerity.

“People watch horror films,” he says, “because they want to feel something rare. Fear is an emotion we seldom embrace, but it’s deeply human.”

His message to his audience is simple yet profound:

“Not everything you feel is real — unless you see it right in front of you.”

And perhaps that is the beauty of his films — they blur the line between illusion and revelation, making us question not only what is real, but what is right.

Final Words from the Director

“Thank you to everyone who trusts and supports me and my films. As a multi-awarded horror film director, I want to remind everyone that filmmaking is not about competition — it’s about passion.

My horror films aren’t just made to frighten, but to teach lessons and glorify God, because every talent comes from Him.”

He pauses, then adds, “In times of darkness, black magic is never the answer — faith in God is.”

He credits his success to his faith, his audience, his producers, and the Artista Film Productions family, especially Ms. Miramor Garchitorena, for their continued belief in his vision.

The Final Frame

In the dim light of the editing room, where every cut and sound cue determines how long a heartbeat lingers, Direk Mardy Buniol Planas continues to do what he loves most — telling stories that move the soul through fear, and awaken faith through art.

He stands as a proud symbol of Filipino excellence in horror cinema — a director who proves that even in darkness, there is always a message, a lesson, and a light.

Written by: Amb. Antonio Ma-at