INCINEMA 2026 | In Loving Memory of Anna | Ecclesiastical District of Caloocan North

Summary

The short film follows two roommates who grow close while preparing for a singing competition. Elif is a musician, while Anna is nervous about performing. Their friendship gets off to a funny, slightly bossy start when Elif lays down a list of rules: lights out at 11, keep the room clean, eat healthy, take vitamins, and walk 10,000 steps a day. She even insists that Anna isn’t allowed to get sick.

As they practice, the rules keep growing: no cold drinks, drink salabat, and make time for songwriting and vocal lessons.

Beneath the playful roommate banter is a painful story about Anna’s grandmother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at 55. As the grandmother increasingly forgets names and loved ones, her family struggles to cope. The film reflects on how music and faith can remain meaningful even as memories fade.

When the competition approaches, Anna considers backing out because she is worried about performing in front of a crowd. Elif encourages her not to give up, reminding her that they have prayed and prepared together. They go through with the performance, and the song becomes a tribute to the people and memories that illness can take away.

The emotional closing message is that even when the mind forgets, love, music, and faith can endure in the heart.

Characters

• Elif — A musician and strict-but-caring roommate who encourages Anna’s singing practice.
• Anna — An aspiring singer who is anxious about performing and deeply affected by her grandmother’s illness.
• The grandmother — A woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s whose fading memories are central to the story.