Exclusive Look: 'Sunday Beauty Queen' Director Teases Documentary on West
- Baby Ruth Villarama released teaser for documentary "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea"
- Film is entry to 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival
- Teaser features fishing boat, Coast Guard ship, and Philippines flag
- Villarama describes film as a story about empathy and unity
- Villarama known for "Sunday Beauty Queen" documentary
- CinePanalo entries include "Olsen’s Day," "Journeyman," "Sepak Takraw," and more
- Festival runs from March 14 to 25 at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao
Award-winning documentarian Baby Ruth Villarama has recently released the teaser for her highly anticipated film “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” which is her entry to the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The teaser provides a glimpse into the documentary’s powerful storytelling about the current maritime conflict between the Philippines and China.
The teaser opens with a fishing boat navigating the ocean waves, only to submerge underwater and reveal an abundance of fish, symbolizing the challenges faced by fishermen in their daily lives. It then transitions to a more ominous scene featuring two boats – a fishing vessel and a coast guard ship bearing the Philippine flag – culminating with the statement “fresh from the West Philippine Sea.”
Villarama, the director behind the film, emphasizes that “Food Delivery” is not just about politics but also about empathy. She aims to highlight the personal sacrifices made by Filipino fishermen who risk their lives to provide for their families, as well as the dedication of Coast Guard and Navy personnel in delivering essential supplies to soldiers stationed in remote outposts.
The director envisions “Food Delivery” as a narrative of unity, sacrifice, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit. Through the film, Villarama hopes to foster a sense of empathy and connection among viewers towards the individuals who often go unnoticed in safeguarding the nation’s food security and sovereignty.
Baby Ruth Villarama gained acclaim for her documentary “Sunday Beauty Queen,” which earned the Best Picture award at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. With a decade-long experience in international co-productions for renowned news organizations, Villarama is recognized for her socially-conscious documentaries that have been featured in esteemed film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
Apart from “Food Delivery,” other notable entries in the full-length category of the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival include JP Habac’s “Olsen’s Day,” Christian Paolo Lat’s “Journeyman,” Mes de Guzman’s “Sepak Takraw,” Jill Singson Urdaneta’s “Co-Love,” Catsi Catalan’s “Fleeting,” TM Malones’ “Salum,” and Tara Illenberger’s “Tigkiliwi.” Additionally, 25 student directors will showcase their short films in the festival’s annual student shorts category.
The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to take place from March 14 to 25 at Quezon City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao, providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their works to a wider audience. As the film industry continues to evolve, festivals like CinePanalo play a crucial role in celebrating local talent and promoting diverse narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In a time where issues of sovereignty and identity are at the forefront of national discourse, “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” serves as a poignant reminder of the collective efforts and sacrifices made by individuals to protect their way of life and uphold the values that define a nation. Through Villarama’s lens, viewers are invited to embark on a cinematic journey that explores the complexities of maritime disputes and the human stories behind them.
/Digital Sauce
