DHAKA, Bangladesh (January 18) — The Filipino documentary Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa) has earned a Special Mention Award at the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), marking a notable milestone for regional Philippine cinema on the global stage.
The recognition was conferred during the festival’s awards ceremony held on January 18 at the Bangladesh National Museum. The Mindanao-made film stood out among 35 documentary entries from 24 countries, competing under the Women Filmmakers Section, which honors outstanding works by women shaping contemporary world cinema.
Directed by Mindanao-based filmmaker Editha Z. Caduaya, Beneath the Badge was cited for its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and human-centered portrayal of life behind the uniform. The Special Mention affirms the growing international reach of films produced outside capital-centered hubs and highlights how stories from Mindanao can resonate across cultures when told with honesty and cinematic integrity.
A story beyond the uniform
Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa) chronicles the life and service of Police Colonel Hansel M. Marantan, offering an intimate look at the emotional and moral weight borne by a law enforcement officer in the line of duty. Moving beyond rank and operations, the documentary explores personal sacrifice, inner conflict, and resilience—humanizing a profession often viewed only through headlines and controversy.
Rather than glorifying or condemning, the film seeks understanding, placing humanity at the center of public service. Colonel Marantan’s story reflects the broader, often unseen realities of thousands of Filipino police officers whose lives are shaped by service, scrutiny, and quiet endurance.
