A compelling line-up of local films highlighting the diverse cultures, heritage, and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and Moros takes center stage at Dayaw: The Arts, Culture and Film Festival.
Running from August 10 to August 13 at the FDCP Cinematheque Center compound from 1 pm to 6 pm, Dayaw also offers a curated food and art market where visitors can explore and purchase artworks and crafts created by local artists and artisans.
The festival likewise features free screenings of films by local filmmakers, storytellers, and artists. Beyond showcasing the culture and heritage of the country’s ethnolinguistic communities, the films tell stories of their lived experiences and the realities they encounter in their daily lives.
Among the featured films is “Tu Pug Imatuy,” directed by Arbi Barbarona and written by Arnel Mardoquio, which opened the film screenings on August 10. On August 11, Teng Mangansakan’s “Daughters of the Three-Tailed Banner” will be screened alongside four indigenous short films, including “Pastil” by Duwende Films, which recently won Best Animation Film at the 12th Emirates Film Festival in Dubai. Also featured is Bagane Fiola’s “Pulangui,” recipient of the Best Film Award at the 16th Mindanao Film Festival.
On August 12, Dayaw will screen Arbi Barbarona’s “The Highest Peak,” together with Pia Duran’s “Bantay Bukid,” NCCA’s “Black Rainbow,” “Buhay na Buhay Series,” and “Dayaw Series.”
The festival will conclude on August 13 with Don Gerardo Frasco, Kristoffer Villarino, and Januar Yap’s “Huwebes Huwebes,” scheduled for screening at 3 pm.
Oscar Casaysay, head of the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts, said the film line-up was curated to help the public appreciate the richness and diversity of ethnolinguistic cultures across the country, extending beyond Mindanao.
“Gusto namo ipakita during this celebration nga dili lang Mindanao ang naa’y IP kun’di tibuok Pilipinas, daghan og indigenous people (We want to showcase, through this celebration, that various Indigenous People’s groups inhabit the country and not just in Mindanao),” he said.
Casaysay also emphasized that Dayaw goes beyond being a platform for local films and artistry. The festival also celebrates the talent and excellence of Dabawenyo artists, artisans, filmmakers, storytellers, and other creatives who continue to pursue their passion and dedication to the arts.
Dabawenyos are encouraged to catch the free local film screenings and explore the art market at the Cinematheque Center Davao along J. Palma Gil St., near People’s Park, during Dayaw from August 10 to August 13. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal