PEP

Student filmmakers put farmers’ struggles on screen

Sarah Silva · Sep 26, 2026, 3:30 AM

THE creators of ‘Ang Lawit ni Sonaj’ from Dandelion Pictures, with director Kenzo Aldrich Cabale (center), supervising writer Aaliyah Fuentes (left), and executive producer Shan Li Palencia. — Photograph by Sarah Silva for DAILY TRIBUNE

Student filmmakers from National University Fairview presented their films and shared their creative processes during the Cine Nationale Media Conference at Sine Pop on 24 September ahead of the festival’s screenings at SM Fairview from 28 to 30 September.

Among the entries is “Ang Lawit ni Sonaj,” directed by sophomore student Kenzo Aldrich Cabale, who said accepting criticism is part of the filmmaking process.

“You can’t produce a film without letting yourself accept the flaws of your film,” Cabale said.

Cabale emphasized that filmmakers should recognize the flaws in their own work and listen to different perspectives while maintaining their individual creative voices.

Meanwhile, “SakaLi” tackles the struggles of farmers, with writer Rich Agura hoping the film would help audiences understand their experiences and efforts to make their voices heard.

“I hope through my screenplay ay naramdaman nila kung paano sinasakal ang mga magsasaka at kung paano sila nagbabakasaling pakinggan sila ng masa,” Agura said.

The festival, themed “Sa Paglikaw ng Liwanag,” will feature six films: “Ang Lawit ni Sonaj” by Dandelion Pictures, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by AM Films, “SakaLi” by Salaysinag Films, “Sakay Ng Hiram Na Rusi” by Kaleido Pictures, “Sumaya” by Andromeda Films, and “Tila Walang Tala” by Caterpillar Productions.