Frankie James Balos

Eksmen

A handmade spear, oval mask, and single makeshift fin is all that a Sama Dilaut diver needs to brave the waters—scouting seafloors bare with breaths held. Eksmen entails the extraordinary diving ability of Badjaos (Sama Dilaut) in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, in which a similar case has sparked inspiration in biological and physio-ecological research. The sea is their home and source of livelihood, but as they voyage to the open waters, bits of their culture is swept by the passing tides of time. A question lingers: should the Sama Dilaut cling to their ways of life, or should their adaptive nature be utilized to instead keep up with the fast-paced society? Uncover the hidden, revolutionary potential of indigenous breath hold diving, and plunge into the abyss where culture and science intertwine.

Sagbot sa Dagat

In a world tussling with climate change, an innovative start-up named All.g emerged with a mission to take action against it. One seaweed at a time, they pivot seaweed farming from traditional shores to uncharted territories of carbon credit markets. This documentary will dive deep into the seas of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, and will uncover the hidden potential of seaweed not only as a carbon warrior but as a catalyst for transforming livelihoods within seaweed farming communities.

The Farmer

A farmer faces the aftermath of a destructive typhoon and struggles to cope with climate change that deeply affected his family, leading to a twist that blurs the line between reality and imagination.

People of the Highlands

In the highlands of Bukidnon, the Talaandig people share how their life, culture, and identity are tied to the soil. Guided by Magbabaya and protected by Talabugta, they show how the land shapes their values, traditions, and daily living. The film follows their stories and reveals how the soil remains a source of strength and identity as they face the changes of modern life. For the Talaandig, the land is more than a resource. It is home and history.

Zenny

"Zenny" follows a woman's journey of loss and healing in her 50s, where faith and cherished memories transform grief into enduring strength.