Davao City, known as a vibrant cultural melting pot, is home to 11 distinct ethnolinguistic groups and has welcomed generations of settlers drawn to the city in pursuit of better opportunities. This blend of heritage, culture, and aspirations became the creative foundation of “Turno,” the grand champion of the inaugural Salida Kadayawan 2026 short film competition.
Produced by Kami-Ra Productions, “Turno” emerged as the top entry in the festival’s first filmmaking competition, standing out among a strong lineup of films. The story centers on two strangers who meet amid the Kadayawan festivities: Eli, who comes to Davao in search of work, and Diane, who visits the city to celebrate the festival.
Director and writer Ayaa Ahmed told the City Information Office that the film drew inspiration from the many people who come to Davao either to enjoy the city or pursue opportunities for a better future. At its core, however, the film seeks to help preserve the cultural identity of Davao’s Indigenous communities.
“Gusto g’yud namo mapakita ang isa ka tribe which is katong Matigsalug kung asa ang culture nila mapreserve siya into a film. Kung asa ma visit siya, and dili lang siya through word of mouth na makita ang ilahang culture and tradition, kung dili mawatch siya sa film and then makit-an sa tanang tao (We really want to showcase a tribe, specifically the Matigsalug, and preserve their culture through film. Their culture can be visited and experienced through the film—not simply passed on by word of mouth, but shown on screen for everyone to see),” she said.
In an earlier Facebook post, Ahmed also shared the team’s original creative concept while acknowledging the practical challenges they faced during production.
“Technically, we were supposed to showcase the rich culture of the Matigsalug tribe. Visit their ancestral lands at Marilog, learn about their culture deeply—their weaving, food, language, and traditions. But with limited time and budget, we resorted to showcasing a performance, their traditional dance,” she wrote.
Oscar Casaysay, Head of the Office for Culture and the Arts, highlighted the importance of the competition during the premiere of the short films. He described cinema as a powerful medium for preserving culture and fostering empathy.
“Film is a unique art form. In just a few minutes, short films will bridge cultures, spark empathy, preserve heritage, and challenge our perspectives. In an age where digital technology allows us to create instantly, Salida Kadayawan honors authentic human artistry, the real sweat, passion, and genuine storytelling that no algorithm can ever replicate,” he said.
“You did not just make movie entries, you documented our history, preserved our culture, and amplified the stories that deserve to be heard,” he emphasized.
Aside from being named grand champion, “Turno” also took home awards for Best Performer, Best Cinematography, and Best Director.
Carlos Acutis Creatives’ “Dawa, Dili Baya” placed second, while JK Productions’ “Baynte” finished third. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar