In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, she discusses why she created advocacy films about people with disabilities.
Making a documentary film for me is akin to writing a personal journal. It is my vehicle to present the subject of my interest, to make the viewers listen to interviewed participants talk about it, and to express my views in reaction to the information I have gathered. I entertain the viewers by sharing with them my discoveries and participative learning experiences, eventually educating them about the cause I am advocating for, and finally breaking the barrier between the audience and my subjects after the presented information are processed and after having convinced them that the facts presented to them are really nothing but the truth!
It is thus characteristic of my films that information should directly come from primary sources with no intention to interrupt them in the process of giving information. I record and document, supported by printed or written evidences to serve as my secondary sources.
It is always encouraging for a filmmaker when the audience, especially its direct beneficiaries acknowledges the film’s effectiveness and worth. When first screened at Silliman University in Dumaguete City the audiences’ response to "Alyana,’’ for example, led to its repeat showing barely after two months, coupled with the holding celebration of the First World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Forum in the city.
People gathered to learn more about autism, the handling of persons with autism, and the programs and services of ASP. Affected families upon seeing the film and hearing the speakers realized that they are not alone in their struggles. It empowers them to know that fact. Even school owners beamed with joy and hope from the fresh knowledge they got.
Film is a very powerful medium. It is so strong that it can reach and it can break barriers. Breaking barriers usually take the form of destroying myths to change false attitudes towards certain people, or matter. By changing the paradigm of set ideas, education through films is a formidable medium that one can use to advocate for a cause. Its success can be measured, when some realization from within comes out and positive action brought about by such change is effected.
Education begins when received with open minds and hearts. If the viewers are open-minded, knowledge and understanding of presented truths can easily be absorbed. Retained within it may change the way they think. And hopefully, guide their actions through life.
