Far Spencer

At just 23 years old, Felix Andrew Ranes—known to many as Far Spencer—is not your typical nursing student. While most of his peers are buried in textbooks and clinical rotations, Far is busy rewriting the script both literally and figuratively. A proud Cebuano with a camera in one hand and a stethoscope in the other, he’s on a mission to shatter stereotypes surrounding Cebuano youth and their place in the world of filmmaking. “I’ve always believed that storytelling heals just as much as medicine does,” Far shares, his eyes reflecting both intensity and empathy. “In nursing, I care for the body. In film, I care for the soul.” His journey began in the quiet corners of Cebu, where stories flowed freely but rarely made it to the screen. Far saw something others didn’t: the rich, raw beauty of Visayan voices and untold tales. While many aspiring filmmakers looked to Manila for validation, he chose to stay rooted, filming in local dialects, casting fellow Cebuano talents, and leaning into authenticity. But juggling film shoots and hospital shifts hasn’t been easy. “There were days I’d leave the hospital after a 12-hour shift and head straight to a film edit. I’d be exhausted, but fulfilled,” he laughs. “Both careers ask for the same thing: patience, empathy, and attention to detail.” Despite the odds, Far’s passion never wavered. In 2024, he was featured in Cebu Daily News during National Arts Month for his coming-of-age comedy short film “Merese,” which won Best Editing at DTI’s Fiesta Kucha 2024. In 2025, his psychological horror film “Somnium” was selected as one of the final 10 official entries out of 180 submissions worldwide at the University of Wollongong in Dubai Film Festival. In 2026, his film “Taphaw” won 7 awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Playbill, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Actress at the Sinulog Film Festival 2026. His films explore mental health, identity, and resilience through a Cebuano lens—bridging both local and international audiences. “Being a Cebuano filmmaker isn’t a limitation. It’s a strength,” he says firmly. “We have our own rhythm, our own heartbeat. The world just needs to see and hear it.” Whether it’s in a hospital ward or behind the camera, one thing remains clear: Far Spencer is here to make people feel. Because in his world, healing doesn’t come in just one form.