By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores 

Portraying the emotional aftermath experienced by the parents of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims, ‘Oplan Ligaya’ by Bulok Productions was hailed as Best Short Film in ‘Likhang Mulat: The FEU Film Movements Festival 2024’ during the Gabi ng Parangal at the University Conference Center last December 12.

The winning short film also clinched Best Editing and Best Actress for Sharon Ceneta’s character, Dina Manalo, earning three out of seven nominations.

Inspired by the story of Kian delos Santos, ‘Oplan Ligaya’ explores how the parents of titular character and EJK victim Ligaya become compelled to accept the state’s offer to forget their child through taking a psychedelic pill and a medical procedure.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Bulok Productions Directors Cristian Labutap and Mariah Denise Villaflores explained that the concept alludes to the state’s attempts to silence the families of EJK victims amid their call for justice.

“Hanggang ngayon, kahit hindi naman sa war on drugs… ‘Yung pagtakip ng government sa mga kamalian, pinapatungan nila ng panibagong ‘something,’ solusyon, o kung anuman na hindi naman talaga nakakamit ‘yung justice sa solusyon na binibigay nila (Until now, even if it’s not in the war on drugs, justice is not really achieved through the government’s attempts to cover up or solve their mistakes),” Villaflores noted.

The multi-awarded short film also showcased the complexity of grief as experienced by the victims’ families.

“Sa movie kasi namin, it ended with them forgetting their son… Ang gusto naming ipakita du’n is hindi sana mapunta sa victims ‘yung blame, they’re just victims also and mapakita namin ‘yung complexity ng grief, na hindi siya puro love kasi ‘yung love, hindi siya minsan sapat para alalahanin ‘yung namatay mong anak, minsan chinu-choose ng mga namatayan na makalimot (Our movie ended with them forgetting their son. We wanted to show that victims should not be blamed as well as the complexity of their grief, wherein it’s not all about love, as it is not enough to remember their dead child. The bereaved sometimes choose to forget),” Labutap added.

Moreover, the student filmmakers stated that they initially wanted to stray away from common human rights violations topics, such as EJK, but later realized the need to tackle pressing issues, especially given the recent probes on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s EJK.

Reiterating the film festival’s vision, Villaflores also emphasized the importance of raising the Tamaraw community’s political awareness.

“Marami rin naman talaga sa FEU [Far Eastern University] community [who] may not be politically aware. Siguro ‘yung film na ‘to, parang time na para mamulat sila since ‘Likhang Mulat’ nga. Mamulat sila sa kung ano talaga ‘yung realidad at na ‘yung mga ganitong bagay hindi dapat natin binabalewala… Kahit ilang taon pa ang dumating, posible na hindi makamit ‘yung hustisya at ‘yon ‘yung ayaw natin (Many in the FEU community may not be politically aware. Through this film, it is time for them to become aware since it’s ‘Likhang Mulat.’ They should be aware of reality and how issues like this should not be overlooked. Despite how many years have passed, it is possible that justice will not be achieved, which we do not want),” she stressed.

According to Bulok Productions directors, ‘Oplan Ligaya’ hopes to serve as a “memorial and a call to remember that stories of loss should be told and never forgotten.”

On the other hand, ‘The Killing Structure of Society’ by TVS Films was recognized as the ‘2nd Best Short Film,’ in addition to Best Director for Gerald Dinaya, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor for Vic Romano’s character, Crisanto Panganiban.

Meanwhile, ‘And Your Answer Is’ by Dyis Kinse Productions was picked by Likhang Mulat partner organization In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), bagging the iDEFEND’s Choice Award along with Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Film Poster.

Pukawin Productions’s ‘Balbal’ was the most-nominated film, winning Best Screenplay and Audience Choice Award among 10 shortlists.

Additionally, the event awarded ‘The Life We Thought We Wanted to Live’ by Engkwento Productions with Special Jury Mention, ‘Suklop’ by Sinesiwalat Films with Best Sound, and ‘Ani No’ by Pitik Sining Studios with Best Film Trailer.

The 15 film finalists are available for free streaming via Cinemata from December 13 until 22.

Likhang Mulat is the annual social advocacy film festival of the FEU Department of Communication held in commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It involves films produced by second-year Communication students as part of their Introduction to Film course.

Now in its sixth edition, this marks the second installment of Likhang Mulat since its rebrand as FEU Film Movements Festival last year.

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)