At the international film festival in Dubai, a long-standing independent film production company from Davao was recognized as one of the best new cinematographers. On the 11th Emirates Film Festival, Duwende Films received the award for Best Experimental Film for its work 'Hello, Daisy', which addresses 'the grim reality of online sexual exploitation of children'.
"We hope that subsequently we will become one of the instruments in the fight against this problem," says the statement from Duwende Films. The team also emphasized the significance of this victory for the developing industry of independent cinema in Mindanao.
"We hope that as a whole, the local team of Mindanao, we will be able to prove that independent cinematographers, especially in Mindanao, are at the international level, where it deserves all the support, especially from their own region," the creators noted.
At the festival, Filipino cinematographers were also recognized, such as Marman Ramirez for his work 'Fumao' and Kay Cyrus Castellano for 'Post Parto'. The film was also nominated for Best Film, Best Actress for Mia Cababa, and Best Screenplay for Frenkie Arroceno.
"We dedicate these awards and our film to the victims of online sexual exploitation, especially those who cannot afford to have their own voice, and those who continue to fight to be heard," the statement reads. Allen Saflor's creativity from the Philippines was also noted for the film 'Occupied'.