Giancarlo Abrahan’s May Dinadala follows a man named Joy (Garry Lim) and his discreet rendezvous deep in the woods. Unhappy with his pregnant wife, Joy seeks frequent recluse in the company of a mysterious black creature. Joy must weigh which relationship to carry homeward.
An unusual take on Philippine folklore, the film presents its creatures lamenting their otherness – seemingly a metaphor for people unfairly othered by society.
The short film is Abrahan’s thesis film at the University of the Philippines Film Institute, where it earned Special Mention for Narrative Film. It then went on to premiere internationally at the 2014 Locarno International Film Festival. Shortly after that, it also screened at the 2014 Singapore International Film Festival.
Abrahan would later direct feature films like Dagitab (2015), Paki (2017), and Sila-Sila (2019), all of which bagged wins in their respective festival premieres.
For more Filipino short films, watch Contestant #4 and Si Astri maka si Tambulah on Act One. – Rappler.com
Act One is Rappler’s platform for Filipino short films, empowering filmmakers and advancing causes. A new title comes out every month. Subscribe and watch on Rappler’s Youtube page.
As in any story, Act One marks the beginning.
How does this make you feel?
