The Philippine National Police (PNP) has held its first-ever film festival awards resembling the prestigious Oscar Awards – complete with formal attires, seemingly expensive production and even the hosts' punchlines.

The affair turned into a fairy tale-like afternoon delight for young filmmakers and actors from five colleges and universities in Metro Manila and Luzon since even the guests and presenters belonged to the top echelon of Philippine showbiz industry — from popular matinee idol Rayver Cruz to veteran multi-awarded actor Eddie Garcia.

The First PNP Film Festival concluded with a star-studded awards ceremony in Camp Crame on Thursday hosted by Jacqui Lou Blanco and Jojo Alejar.

Of the five film entries, the "Police Line" produced by New Era University emerged as the big winner, bagging almost all the awards that included best film direction and best picture, said Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, the director of the Police Community Relations Group.

"Police Line" depicts a young police officer who ventured into the field of law enforcement not because he likes it but because it has been a tradition in their family.

Aside from "Police Line," other film entries were "Bro" by La Consolacion College, Manila; "Detektib" by Dr. Felimon Aguilar Memorial College, Las Piñas City; "Gatilyo" by Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila; and "Vendetta" by University of Perpetual Help System, Laguna.

Dianne Grace Cantuba, of the New Era University, got the Best Director Award while Edison Pilota, also from the same school, was adjudged as the Best Actor.

All the other awards were garnered by "Police Line" except for the Best Actress award, which was given to Dr. Amalia Rosales, who happens to be an official of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, for her performance in “Gatilyo.” The University of Perpetual Help System took home the male and female Star of the Filmfest.

Bartolome said cash prizes were given to each of the awardees while all the five participating schools were given special awards for taking part in the event.

"The best police film had a cash prize of P50,000 while P5,000 was given for each of the nine other awards," said Bartolome.

The loud cheers, tight hugs and cries during the acceptance speeches proved that the film festival fever has gotten into the students of the five schools, Bartolome said.

Veteran actor Mark Gil, who was among the award presenters, encouraged the students to continue honing their talents, saying he would not hesitate to be included in the cast in future films by college students.

"The filmfest has been a long process but it became a success because of the participation of the students as well as the support of the various units and officers of the PNP," said Bartolome.

For his part, Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP chief, extended his appreciation to the students for being a part of the event.

In his speech, Verzosa said the PNP organization was able to show to the public a "glimpse in the lives of police officers in the eyes of the exceptional college students" through the five films.

"The PNP would like to bring up the social awareness of the youth that peace and order is the concern of the community," said Verzosa.