Proving that regional narratives can resonate far beyond their origins, a documentary by Mindanao-based journalist and filmmaker Editha Z. Caduaya has earned international recognition.
“Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa)” received the Special Mention Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh, honoring the film for its strong emotional impact and its ability to connect with audiences across cultures.
The documentary traces the life of Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan, using his personal journey to reflect the broader challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of police personnel. The Special Mention Award is particularly significant as it is based on audience response, underscoring the film’s resonance with viewers.
“This recognition came directly from the audience, and that makes it profoundly meaningful,” Caduaya said. “It tells us that stories from Mindanao—told honestly and without embellishment—can move people anywhere in the world.”
The project began as a journalistic inquiry before evolving into a full-length documentary. It peels back the uniform to reveal the unseen sacrifices, moral struggles, and personal costs of public service.
“For more than three decades, journalism has been my foundation,” Caduaya shared. “I never imagined that a story rooted in reporting would find its way to an international audience and be honored in this way. This award affirms the power of truth-based storytelling.”
Recognition at Dhaka—one of South Asia’s longest-running and most respected film festivals—marks a milestone for Mindanao cinema, a sector often underrepresented despite its wealth of compelling narratives.
Caduaya dedicated the honor to her peers in the region.
“This is a win for filmmakers from the regions. It proves that we do not need to come from major production centers to tell stories that matter. Mindanao has voices worth listening to, and this recognition honors that,” she said.
She described the award as a collective achievement for Philippine cinema, celebrating those “who continue to create despite limitations, who choose courage over convenience, and who believe that our stories deserve a place on the global stage.”
Buoyed by its success in Dhaka, “Beneath the Badge” is now eyeing wider screenings and a planned national theatrical release.
