Logline

A resilient mother fights to reclaim their ancestral land while struggling financially for her ill son, torn between family survival and preserving their legacy.

Synopsis

In this short film, Merlita Soñiega, a resilient agrarian reform beneficiary, regains hope when she finally receives her official land title through DAR’s Project SPLIT, years after mortgaging her land to save her ailing child. Her relief is short-lived when a relative unexpectedly challenges her ownership, raising questions about the handling of her documents within the system. As the conflict intensifies, Merlita fights to reclaim what is rightfully hers, highlighting themes of justice, family betrayal, and the vital role of DAR in protecting the rights of farmers and upholding the integrity of land reform.

Director's Intent

This film is a tribute to the quiet strength of mothers who bear the weight of survival in silence. Through the lens of land reclamation and maternal love, I wanted to explore the intersection of personal and cultural loss and the tension between protecting one’s roots and saving the life of someone you love. Merlita’s journey reflects the struggles of countless families caught in systems that force them to choose between home and hope. With raw emotion and grounded storytelling, I aim to spark reflection on the sacrifices we make, the lands we fight for, and the people we hold on to, even when everything else is slipping away.

Producer's Intent

To portray the real-life struggles of ordinary farm owners in the Philippines and shed light on the injustices they face, with the goal of challenging systems that perpetuate poverty and advocating for fairness, dignity, and rightful land ownership.