TAM DokyuFest returns online through Cinemata for its 4th Edition
The stories continue beyond the festival screens.
Following its on-site run, the 4th Edition of TAM DokyuFest continues online through Cinemata, where 18 official selections will stream from May 25 to June 9, 2026.
Organized by the Far Eastern University Department of Communication, this year’s edition of TAM DokyuFest gathered student documentaries from FEU, UP Diliman, Mapúa University, and the University of San Carlos under the theme “Visions for a Shared Humanity.” Across the programme, young filmmakers explored urgent realities surrounding labor, climate, gender, poverty, heritage, and community survival, grounding broad social issues in deeply human stories.
Opening the festival, award-winning filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama reflected on the power of documentary cinema:
“Documentary filmmaking reminds us of something deeply human, that beyond our differences people still cry the same tears, dream the same dreams and fight the same invisible battles. And that is the power of documentaries.”
This year’s awardees include:
• Balong ng Buhay (Well of Life) by Erin Gzy, Best Documentary
• Pamanang Pamangan (Food as Heritage) by Johanna Cien Rivera, 1st Runner-Up
• Pihit ng Panahon (The Twist of Time) by Roda Mae Cantonjos and Tobit Laggui, 2nd Runner-Up
• Sa Pagliit ng Dagat (As the Sea Shrinks) by Shayne Flores and Chelzea Mafae, Special Jury Prize
Watch TAM DokyuFest 2026
Representatives of Pihit ng Panahon (The Twist of Time) accept the 2nd Runner-Up recognition
For the filmmakers, the recognition also opened space to reflect on the communities, questions, and lived realities behind their works.
Tobit Laggui, one of the directors of Pihit ng Panahon (The Twist of Time), shared:
“We are deeply grateful for this recognition. We attended the awards night without expecting to win anything, so receiving these awards truly means a lot to us. More than anything, we hope the film was able to convey its message, that while time moves constantly and accurately, it can take on different meanings and experiences for every person, and that even those short-lived moments can leave lasting changes in our lives.
In many ways, that message also reflected our own journey in making this film. There were times when it felt like time and luck were not on our side, but this experience eventually became something meaningful not only for us as filmmakers, but also for the people who connected with and believed in our work.”
The team behind Pamanang Pamangan (Food as Heritage) is recognized as 1st Runner-Up.
Johanna Cien Rivera, director of Pamanang Pamangan (Food as Heritage), reflected on the importance of documenting cultural memory:
“Our documentary is a reminder that stories rooted in heritage still have the power to move people today. Being named 1st Runner-Up is not just a win for our team, but for the voices and traditions we chose to honor through Pamanang Pamangan, a film we poured hearts into.”
Erin Gzy receives recognition for Balong ng Buhay (Well of Life), winner of Best Documentary
For Erin Gzy, whose film Balong ng Buhay (Well of Life) received Best Documentary, the award is also a call to pay attention to the struggles of fisherfolk in Laguna Lake. Erin, who also received the Best Director award, shared in Filipino:
“With this win, we hope that more people will join the struggle of the fisherfolk in Laguna Lake against the looming lake reclamation projects, because all of our lives are at stake here. Beyond that, we hope we were able to give justice to how we portrayed fisherfolk like Ka Ronie. We wanted to show that they are not merely fishermen. They are intelligent, compassionate, and courageous. We dedicate our documentary to the oppressed masses who continue to be crushed under the oppression of our system. Someday, we will also attain freedom.”
Through its online screening on Cinemata, TAM DokyuFest extends these student documentaries beyond the festival venue, allowing more audiences to encounter the films and the questions they raise. The programme continues the festival’s commitment to documentary filmmaking as a space for reflection, education, and social engagement.
The 4th Edition of TAM DokyuFest streams on Cinemata from May 25 to June 9.
Watch TAM DokyuFest 2026
About Cinemata Visions
The online screening of the 4th edition of TAM DokyuFest (TDF), in partnership with the FEU Department of Communication, is part of Cinemata Visions, an initiative that spotlights notable works from film schools and learning institutions dedicated to cinema in the Asia-Pacific.
Cinemata Visions highlights video endeavours such as workshops and competitions initiated by advocacy groups dedicated to the youth. It aims to harness creative film outputs and encourage young filmmakers to produce more social issue works by providing a free, independent, and secure video hosting platform beyond commercial video platforms.
Developed by EngageMedia, Cinemata supports initiatives like TAM DokyuFest by helping circulate essential yet underheard stories and creating more pathways for Asia-Pacific audiences to watch, learn, and respond.