By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Documenting the journey of an extrajudicial killing (EJK) victim mother 'Nanay Melinda' as a Silingan Candlemaker, ‘Iiyak Ang Langit’ bagged Best Documentary out of 16 finalists in the TAM DokyuFest (TDF) 2025 during the awards ceremony at the Arts Building Theater Room 202 last May 8.

The winning documentary was directed by Kasharelle Javier and Monica Calderon, who were hailed as Best Directors. It was produced by TVS Films, Emo Bros, and The Orchid Collective. 

Iiyak Ang Langit highlighted Nanay Melinda’s experience as a victim subjected to oppression by different men, from her abusive husband to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war.

“Our documentary aims to address the issue of human rights violations by the state, such as the extrajudicial killings of Duterte as well as domestic abuse against women. Being a woman, Nanay Melinda experienced violence at the hands of men. Duterte took her son away from her. She experienced abuse from her husband and was also abused by the police, along with her daughter,” Javier shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

The documentary followed Nanay Melinda in her current occupation as part of the Silingan Candlemakers from Navotas City, a profit organization aimed at providing relatives of EJK victims a safe space to heal together as well as financial opportunities through making and selling candles.

“Nag-ikot kami nun sa Navotas para maghanap ng possible angle at may nakausap kami na isang member ng Silingan Candlemaking and dun niya na kami ni-recommend na pumunta since lahat ng nagtatrabaho dun ay apektado ng EJK at dun namin nakilala si Nanay Melinda, ‘yung subject ng Iiyak ang Langit,” Javier stated.

According to Javier, they specifically chose Nanay Melinda because she was the most willing to share her story among the Silingan Candlemakers.

On top of presenting a hopeful story for EJK victims’ kin, Javier underlined their goal to amplify the call for justice for all EJK victims, especially in light of Duterte’s detention by the International Criminal Court.

“The overall message of our documentary is that there’s still hope. Katulad ng pagkaaresto kay Duterte, darating din ang araw na mananagot ang lahat ng nakinabang at tumulong sa drug war ni Duterte gaya ni Bato [Dela Rosa], Bong Go, at mga kapulisan. May pag-asa pero hinding-hindi mawawala ‘yung paniningil. Lagi tayong maniningil hangga’t sa makamit na ng mga biktima ang hustisya,” she added.

Meanwhile, ‘Eyen Kami Deyuhan’ by Ninuno Pictures, 5cene Co Films, Studio Dan Robles, and EybiCine was hailed first runner-up for Best Documentary. 

On the other hand, ‘NOMO KWEEN!: The Last Woman Standing’ by Chroma Films, Dekada '90 Films, Cai Creatives, and Hundred Digits won second runner-up along with Best Editing.

The event also awarded ‘Mahal Kita As In’ by NaCl Productions with Best Poster and ‘My Loving Klok Klok’ by Emo Bros, The Orchid Collective, and Alas-Diyés with Best Sound. 

‘Shalom’ by Kwatro Kantos Productions bagged Best Trailer and Best Cinematography.

TAM DokyuFest is an annual documentary film festival hosted by the FEU Department of Communication that features shortlisted works produced by third-year Communication students in their Documentary Production course.

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)