Melver Ritz L. Gomez

Melver Ritz L. Gomez is an Ilokano filmmaker who creates films focusing on the customs and traditions of the Ilokanos. He received mentorship from National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee during his participation in Batch 24 of the Ricky Lee Film Scriptwriting Workshop. This guidance significantly influenced his craft and development as a filmmaker. His film "Karkarma" was chosen for the short film showcase at the Pelikultura-The Calabarzon Film Festival in 2023, held at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and was featured in the 16th Cinema Rehiyon by the National Committee on Cinema of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, held at the University of the Philippines-Visayas. The same film bagged the Gimadyawan Best Film award at the 10th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition held in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. His documentary film "Iyallatiw" won awards for Best Story Writer and Best Director at the International Film Festival in Manhattan and the Reels International Film Festival in India. The same film was also recognized with awards at the Gawad Alternatibo (CCP) Cultural Center of the Philippines and received the Silver Prize at the Viddsee Juree Awards Luzon 2021. A two-time Gawad Pasado winner, Gomez was honored with Pinakamahusay na Pelikula sa Paggamit ng Wika at Pagpapahalaga sa Kultura and Pinakapasadong Dokumentaryong Pampelikula. His films were also nominated by the highly respected Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino for Best Documentary at the 46th Gawad Urian and Best Short Film at the 47th Gawad Urian.