“Beneath the Badge” Reaches Europe, Named Finalist at Director’s Cut International Film Festival in Oslo, Norway

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (May 7)— Filipino documentary film Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa) has achieved another historic international milestone after being officially selected as a Finalist at the prestigious Director’s Cut International Film Festival, marking its entry onto the European cinematic stage.

The film’s production team has likewise received a formal invitation to attend the festival’s highly anticipated Gala Awards Night on December 14 in Oslo, Norway, where acclaimed filmmakers, producers, and cinema leaders from around the world will gather to celebrate excellence in global storytelling.

The recognition further cements Beneath the Badge as one of the emerging Filipino documentaries gaining international acclaim for its fearless and deeply human narrative on the lives of law enforcement officers behind the uniform.

At the heart of the documentary is the story of Police Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, who serves as the film’s lead figure and story owner. Reacting to the recognition, Marantan expressed humility and pride that the experiences of Filipino policemen are now resonating with global audiences.

“I am humbled that the docufilm has reached the European stage. It is a recognition that the challenges and resiliency of our men are being emulated and understood by other countries,” Marantan said.

The documentary presents a rare and intimate look into the emotional and psychological realities carried by men and women in uniform—revealing not only the dangers of police work, but also the unseen burdens, sacrifices, and personal struggles behind public service.

Beneath the Badge also marks the first documentary project of veteran journalist Editha Caduaya, whose more than three decades in journalism have been dedicated to covering conflict, governance, peace-building, and human-interest stories across Mindanao and the Philippines.

The film is likewise the first major production venture of POP Movie House, signaling the emergence of a new Filipino storytelling platform committed to socially relevant and globally resonant narratives.

Caduaya, the writer and director of the documentary, said the recognition proves that regional storytelling from the Philippines can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international productions.

“This is a testament that regional films meet international standards, and in the age of digitalization, stories of real people and real events matter on the global stage. This is a laurel among regional filmmakers,” Caduaya said.

Even before its selection in Oslo, the documentary had already begun making waves in the international film community.

On January 18, Beneath the Badge received the Best Mention Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival, one of Asia’s respected showcases for independent and socially conscious cinema.

The film also earned the Outstanding Excellence Award on March 30 during the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival in the United States, recognizing its compelling storytelling, cinematic treatment, and global relevance.

Its latest recognition in Europe highlights the growing international appreciation for Filipino-made documentaries that tackle truth, sacrifice, justice, and humanity.

For the filmmakers, the recognition goes beyond awards and cinematic prestige.

It is a tribute to the countless law enforcement officers whose stories often remain unheard behind the badge—and a reminder that stories born in the Philippines can resonate across borders, cultures, and continents.

As Beneath the Badge heads to Oslo this December, it carries with it not only the pride of Filipino filmmaking, but also the enduring stories of courage, resilience, and service that continue to define the spirit behind the uniform.