AHMEDABAD, INDIA — (October 2, 2026) — Davao City filmmaker and veteran journalist Editha Zaragosa Caduaya has added another major international recognition to the growing festival journey of her debut documentary, Beneath the Badge (Sa Likod ng Tsapa), winning the Best Director – Jury Silver Award at the 17th Ahmedabad International Film Festival in India.
Caduaya received the award during the festival’s ceremony at Tagore Hall, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 2, 2026.
The recognition marks another milestone for the Davao filmmaker whose first venture into cinema has taken a story from Mindanao to audiences and film festivals around the world.
“CINEMA IS NOT DEAD”
In her impromptu acceptance speech received a warm applause from the crowd as Caduaya reflected on the continuing power of cinema and the response of audiences to films rooted in real-life experiences.
*They said that cinema is dead. But when I see people watching the screening here in Ahmedabad, I say—cinema is not dead.
She added “People continue to watch films if the material affects their lives—storytelling based on truth.”
Caduaya also used the occasion to champion regional filmmaking, particularly stories originating from Mindanao.
“I say now, regional films like Beneath the Badge can occupy a global stage as long as it is done with passion.”
Her remarks reflected her belief that filmmakers from outside the traditional centers of Philippine cinema can bring their stories to international audiences through authenticity, perseverance and passion.
Beneath the Badge is Caduaya’s debut documentary as a filmmaker, following more than three decades of work as a journalist and storyteller.
The film explores the life of Police General Hansel Marantan, looking beyond the police uniform to examine his personal journey, struggles, controversies, sacrifices and redemption.
In her acceptance speech, Caduaya expressed gratitude to the people who inspired the documentary, particularly Police General Hansel Marantan, General Jonathan Calixto and her daughter, Althea Beatrice.
She also thanked the entire team behind the production, including the Newsline Philippines and POP Movie House crews, as well as the many people who supported her journey from journalism into filmmaking.
For Caduaya, the transition from journalism to cinema was a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to storytelling.
The discipline of journalism—researching facts, listening to people and seeking truth became the foundation for her first documentary.
Since its release in August 2025, Beneath the Badge has built an extensive international festival record, receiving awards, finalist and semifinalist distinctions, official selections and nominations.
Among its recognitions and festival milestones are:
AWARDS
● 17th Ahmedabad International Film Festival, India — Best Director – Jury Silver Award, October 2026
● Dhaka International Film Festival, Bangladesh — Special Mention Award, January 2026
● Documentaries Without Borders Film Festival — Outstanding Excellence Award, March 2026
● Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood — recognition/selection, July 2026
FINALIST
● Director’s Cut International Film Festival — Norway
● Kaduna International Film Festival — Nigeria
● Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival
SEMIFINALIST
● Brussels World Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
● Doc Only Film Festival — Denmark
● Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival
● Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival — Hollywood, Los Angeles
● Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival
PHILIPPINE AWARD NOMINATIONS
The documentary has also received recognition in the Philippine film industry, including nominations at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, including:
● Nomination — Documentary Category
● Nomination — Best Original Soundtrack
The growing list of international festival appearances has brought Beneath the Badge to audiences across Asia, Europe, North America and Africa.
FROM JOURNALISM TO CINEMA
For Caduaya, however, the awards are only part of the journey.
The filmmaker sees Beneath the Badge as a continuation of her work as a journalist—telling stories about people, communities and realities that deserve to be heard.
Her first documentary has demonstrated that a film created in Davao City, Mindanao can find audiences far beyond the Philippines.
The Ahmedabad award now adds another international chapter to that journey.
From Dhaka to Los Angeles, Brussels to Denmark, Nigeria to Norway, Toronto to Ahmedabad, Beneath the Badge has carried a Mindanao story into the international film circuit.
And for Caduaya, the message remains clear:
Cinema is not dead.
As long as filmmakers continue to tell stories that touch people’s lives, confront truth and are created with passion, regional cinema can cross borders and occupy a place on the global stage.
From Davao, Mindanao—to the world.
