Mindanao Filmmaker Editha Caduaya Wins International Documentary Award, Honors Women Storytellers

DAVAO CITY (March 16) — Filipino journalist and documentary filmmaker Editha Caduaya is bringing Mindanaoan storytelling to the international stage after her documentary Beneath the Badge / Sa Likod ng Tsapa earned the Outstanding Excellence Award at the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival, organizers announced on March 15.

The recognition adds to the film’s growing global acclaim. Earlier this year, the documentary also received a Special Mention Award at the Dhaka International Film Festival on January 18, a key platform for international independent cinema.

The documentary traces the controversial life and career of Hansel M. Marantan, a senior officer of the Philippine National Police whose professional journey has been shaped by public scrutiny, operational risks, and attempts at personal redemption.

Marantan became a polarizing figure in Philippine law enforcement after his involvement in several high-profile police operations, including the 2013 Atimonan incident in Quezon province where multiple suspected gunmen were killed in what authorities described as a shootout—an operation that later drew scrutiny from investigators and human rights groups.

In Beneath the Badge, Caduaya attempts to move beyond headlines by exploring the human dimension of policing. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal testimonies, the film portrays the emotional weight carried by officers and their families amid controversy, duty, and public judgment.

For Caduaya, the international recognition carries a deeper meaning as it comes during the Philippines’ observance of National Women’s Month.

A veteran journalist who has spent more than two decades covering conflict, governance, and social issues across Mindanao, Caduaya said the award reflects not only a personal milestone but also the growing presence of women storytellers documenting complex realities in the regions.

“This documentary was created to show the human side of those who dedicate their lives to public service,” Caduaya said. “Behind every badge is a story of sacrifice, pain, courage, and hope. But this recognition is also meaningful because it shows that women from the regions can tell powerful stories that resonate globally.”

Caduaya transitioned into documentary filmmaking after years of frontline reporting, seeking to tell deeper human narratives often lost in daily news cycles.

“There were moments when telling this story was emotionally heavy,” she said. “But I believed the world needed to see the person behind the uniform — the man who endured trials and accusations yet continued to serve his country.”

The Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival recognizes nonfiction films that highlight social realities and human experiences across cultures. The Outstanding Excellence Award places Beneath the Badge among international documentary works noted for narrative depth and social relevance.

Beyond the accolades, Caduaya hopes the film will encourage wider conversations about public service, accountability, and the human stories behind institutions often viewed only through political or legal lenses.

She also dedicated the recognition to fellow women journalists and filmmakers who continue to document difficult stories across the country.

“This award is not just for the film,” she said. “It is also for women who continue to write, report, and tell stories even in challenging spaces. Our voices matter, and our stories deserve to be heard.”

With its expanding international recognition, Beneath the Badge is expected to reach broader audiences through global screenings and cultural events, bringing a distinctly Filipino narrative of service, controversy, resilience, and humanity to viewers worldwide.