Noni Abao, takes home the Best Full-Length Film Award

After accepting the Best Full-Length Film award at the Cinemalaya 2026 Awards Night, Noni Abao spoke to the media about the film's message and future plans.

Abao said the film tells the story of farmers who continue to fight for their land and rights. He explained that these issues are still happening, which is why they wanted to share the story.

He shared that the team plans to screen the film in communities instead of releasing it commercially. According to Abao, it is more important for the people whose lives inspired the film to see it first.

When asked about lawmakers who attended the screening, Abao said they had not yet discussed possible support for the film. However, he welcomed efforts to strengthen film education in schools.

Abao also explained why the team continued making the film despite the risks. He said they believed it was the right time to tell the story, especially as more people are speaking out about social issues.

He revealed that he experienced threats while working on the film. Between 2018 and 2020, posters with their faces appeared, accusing them of being members of armed groups, even though he was living in Manila at the time.