Duwende Films–an indie production company from Mindanao–received global recognition at the 11th Emirates Film Festival in Dubai, where they won the "Best Emerging Filmmaker" award. Their short film “Hello, Daisy!” was also nominated for "Best Film," competing against films from over 427 entries worldwide, including Europe, Canada, the US, the Middle East, and South Asia.
“Hello, Daisy!” tells a powerful and unsettling story about the online sexual exploitation of children, a topic that has sparked widespread concern, particularly in the Philippines. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has labeled the country as a central hub for the production of child sexual abuse material, making the film's message all the more urgent.
A Powerful Message on Child Exploitation
The film's lead actress, Mia Cabaobao, and screenwriter Franky Arrocena were both nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Screenplay," respectively. Despite these accolades, Duwende Films emphasized that the true purpose of their work is to raise awareness about this deeply troubling issue.
"We dedicate these awards to the victims of online sexual exploitation, especially those who remain voiceless," the filmmakers stated. "We may not solve the problem with just one film, but by acknowledging its existence, we hope to take the first step toward addressing it,” they added.
Their goal is clear: to shed light on the exploitation of children and inspire action to protect those most vulnerable.
A Milestone for Indie Filmmaking in Mindanao
“Hello, Daisy!” was produced independently, without major brand sponsorship, showcasing the talent and passion of Mindanao’s creative community. With a fully Mindanawon and Dabawenyo cast and crew, Duwende Films hopes their success at the Emirates Film Festival signals the international potential of indie filmmaking in Mindanao.
