DHAKA, Bangladesh (January 24) — The Philippine documentary Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa), directed and produced by Mindanao-based journalist and filmmaker Editha Z. Caduaya, received a Special Mention Award at the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival, an achievement hailed by the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh as a proud moment for Filipino culture and cinema.
Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh, Her Excellency Nina Cainglet, highlighted that the recognition goes beyond an individual win, describing it as a powerful affirmation of the Filipino voice on the global stage.
“This award is a celebration of Filipino storytelling,” Ambassador Cainglet said. “It reflects our ability to share stories that are deeply Filipino yet universally understood—stories of service, sacrifice, and humanity. Beneath the Badge proves that narratives from the regions can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.”
The Ambassador emphasized that international film festivals, such as the Dhaka International Film Festival, provide a vital platform for showcasing Philippine creativity, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and building people-to-people connections between nations.
Beneath the Badge offers an intimate portrayal of Hansel M. Marantan, focusing not on rank or authority but on the human being behind the uniform. Its Special Mention Award was granted in recognition of the film’s emotional resonance and strong audience response among entries from 93 countries.
Ambassador Cainglet also noted the significance of the film’s inclusion in the Women in Cinema section, highlighting the growing presence and influence of Filipino women filmmakers in international arenas.
“Filipino women continue to shape powerful narratives that reflect our society and values,” she added. “This recognition affirms their important role in global cinema.”
For her part, Caduaya expressed gratitude for the Embassy’s support and shared that the award reinforces her belief in regional storytelling.
“To have our story recognized abroad—and affirmed by our own Embassy—makes this journey deeply meaningful,” she said. “It tells us that stories from Mindanao matter, and that they can move audiences anywhere in the world.”The recognition of Beneath the Badge stands as a testament to the strength of Philippine documentary filmmaking and its growing reach beyond borders, carrying the Filipino story with pride and purpose.
