After the (g)rain is gone – this is the translation of Sa Tumoy Sa Walay Kahumanan, a Mindanaowan coming-of-age drama directed by Von Jorge Actub from Davao de Oro and produced by Juvy Ann Clarito, the film highlights Mindanao’s rural communities, representing the stories and challenges that they face.
The film’s translated title adds a “g” in front of “rain” as wordplay, highlighting the insufficiency of support for small-scale farmers amidst their low income, unpredictable harvests, and rising market costs.
Following the life of a child named Batoy (James Sargueza), the film focuses on his daily life centered on rice rituals and small traditions related to blessing the crops. The film challenges messages of hope, and how even well-intentioned promises can result in frustration when left unfulfilled.
During production, the cast and crew also faced the hardships commonly faced by farmers, as most of the film was shot on-location in Sta. Maria Libasan Rice Fields, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. “Throughout the shoot, we experienced the hardship of the farmers. Even though we weren’t in the field for long, the mud was heavy and moving was difficult. But that’s their everyday life,” shared Actub in an interview with Mindanews.
Sa Tumoy Sa Walay Kahumanan is one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition, an initiative by the Film Development Council of the Philippines to support young filmmakers as they develop their skills and produce their projects. Catch Sa Tumoy Sa Walay Kahumanan along with other festival entries from September 5 to 7 at the Sine Kabataan premiere at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong City.
For more information and updates, visit Film Development Council of the Philippines at fdcp.ph/updates/sinekabataan2025.