THE Commission on Population and Development (CPD) 7 awards its Best Documentary Film to “Hagip-ot (Narrow),” the entry of high school students from City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy during the awarding ceremony on Nov. 14, 2019 at the Montebello Villa Hotel in Cebu City.
A 15-minute film, “Hagip-ot” talks about the story of Siela Ortega-Maloon as she struggles to raise her seven children. The film, which intends to make young people aware about reproductive health, also won special awards in writing, direction, cinematography, audio use and production value.
The film is the official entry of the CPD 7 for the national competition in Manila next year.
Now on its fifth year, the independent inter-school filmmaking contest is an annual activity open to all public and private high schools in Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.
The contest focuses on Adolescent Health and Development, which aims to address the well-being of adolescents on concerns about youth sexuality, reproductive health and their rights.
This year’s genre is documentary. The films must talk about people in communities with real life situations with the theme: “The Youth and the Demographic Transition.”
The second Best Documentary Film, “D.I. Drop In,” is the entry of high school students from Ramon M. Duterte Sr. Foundation-Science and Technology. It is about Micaella Jane Ramoneda, a young and impoverished girl who lacks affection from a father. Her life is life full of abuses and confusion.
Redemption comes at a time when the girl realizes her worth as a human being. “D.I. Drop In” also won special prizes in editing, poster and trailer.
Students from the Bohol Wisdom School took home the recognition for “Beat of the Black” as the third Best Documentary Film. It was inspired by the lives of the Ati community who relocated to Loay, Bohol after having been displaced from their original home in Panay due to commercialization and immense growth of tourism.
The film tackles the abuse and bullying they experienced because of their distinct physical features, causing them to withdraw from society. The Ati community’s story conveys a clear message that social justice remains elusive for most of indigenous communities.
The top three best films received prizes—P15,000, P12,000 and P10,000, respectively.
The other three finalists were “Carousel,” the entry of the Cebu City Science High School; “Mamang,” the entry of the Bais National High School; and “Kalampusan (Success),” the entry of the Siquijor Provincial Science High School. Each received a consolation prize of P3,000.