Cover A film still from ‘Tumandok’ (2024) which follows the story and struggle of the indigenous Tumandok people in the island of Panay (Photo: Cinemalaya)
A film still from ‘Tumandok’ (2024) which follows the story and struggle of the indigenous Tumandok people in the island of Panay (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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On the island of Panay, the indigenous Tumandok continue to fight for human rights and land. Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay turn to filmmaking to amplify their voices
As if the dawn of December 31, 2021, could not get any colder, nine Tumandok individuals lost their lives, while 10 others were arrested during a violent encounter that erupted amid a ‘police operation’.
The reports have laid out these facts: that the indigenous tribe’s leaders allegedly fought back when authorities served search warrants aimed at curbing the proliferation of firearms and explosives on the island; that the tribe was an ally of a communist group.
However, the families of the fallen, along with human rights advocates, have consistently emphasised that the story is far more complex. Even before the confrontation occurred, the Tumandok people were actively defending their ancestral land against the construction of the nearby Jalaur Dam.
In 2024, a film titled Tumandok recalled the tribe’s struggle for rights over their ancestral domain. It received critical acclaim at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, winning five major awards, including Best Full-Length Film, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Original Music Score and the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) full-length feature award.
In this exclusive interview, filmmakers Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay share the value of storytelling in the lives of people who fight for land and justice.
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Above Behind the scenes of ‘Tumandok’, an award-winning film by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay that fuses cinema verité with fictional retelling of true accounts (Photo: Cinemalaya)
Behind the scenes of ‘Tumandok’, an award-winning film by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay that fuses cinema verité with fictional retelling of true accounts (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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“If we, as outsiders, were shaken by the threats we encountered, how much more must the community have endured over the years? That understanding fueled our determination to keep going—not just to finish the film, but to honour their resilience.”
Salvadico and Sumagaysay first heard about the struggles of the Ati community in Sitio Karabangkalan back in 2019. The filmmakers admitted to feeling an immediate sense of guilt that ultimately motivated them to proceed with screenwriting. “We didn’t have millions, but we had the power of storytelling, and through cinema, we knew we could help their voices reach a wider audience.”
While making a film about the struggles of the Ati community is undoubtedly a noble pursuit, it also comes with serious risks, particularly due to the political tensions surrounding the issue. Both Salvadico and Sumagaysay faced direct threats and acts of violence during filming.
“In those moments, we would call our producer and tell him that ‘this might be our last location’. But each time, we couldn’t help but think about the 286 people living in Kabarangkalan,” they said. “If we, as outsiders, were shaken by the threats we encountered, how much more must the community have endured over the years? That understanding fueled our determination to keep going—not just to finish the film, but to honour their resilience.”
Above Salvadico and Sumagaysay first heard about the struggles of the Ati community in Sitio Karabangkalan back in 2019 (Photo: Cinemalaya)
Salvadico and Sumagaysay first heard about the struggles of the Ati community in Sitio Karabangkalan back in 2019 (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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Above The terrain was among the biggest challenges the film crew faced while filming ‘Tumandok’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
The terrain was among the biggest challenges the film crew faced while filming ‘Tumandok’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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Sixty per cent of the film is based on the true story of En-En, the daughter of a Tumandok chieftain. Presented in a documentary style, the movie explores the daily struggles of the Ati community: from trekking up and down the mountains to perform for city audiences, to facing the dangers of being forced to relocate to unfamiliar lands where their traditional means of livelihood no longer exist.
“With Direk Arden Rod Condez’s guidance, we have decided to include the struggles of different ati communities as well. The documentary format allows us to film the real portrayals of the characters, their way of life and their culture. While the fiction format allows us to have a structured narrative that encompasses the struggles of the other communities,” said Salvadico and Sumagaysay.
The film crew spent seven days shooting with the Tumandok people, while Salvadico and Sumagaysay arrived two weeks earlier to collaborate closely with the community and share the script for their feedback.
Among the challenges they faced were the difficult terrain, working with non-actors and adjusting to sleeping in tents. However, the filmmakers revealed that these small sacrifices pale in comparison to the struggles endured by the community.
“Reaching the community was difficult because our car could not access the entrance. As a result, we either had to walk or transport our equipment. The second was working with community members. Many of them had not received a formal education, so we needed to read the script and teach them methods to recognise their cue. While it was a challenge, it was also a fun experience that helped us connect with the community,” the filmmakers explain.
“Our sleeping situation was quite an adventure. We had to sleep in tents set up inside an old chicken coop to accommodate everyone. With over 20 people in our group, we had to share a toilet that only had a curtain as a door. But then again, these are nothing, nothing compared to the struggles of the community,” they added.
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Above Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, the makers of ‘Tumandok’ film (Photo: Cinemalaya)
Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, the makers of ‘Tumandok’ film (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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Above A film still from ‘Tumandok’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
A film still from ‘Tumandok’ (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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Salvadico and Sumagaysay expressed gratitude for the recognition their film received. Although this marks their debut feature, the couple is more than willing to step aside and redirect the spotlight to the community, saying, “The true credit belongs to them.”
“The award helps bring attention to their cause, and we are deeply committed to using this platform to reach our fundraising goal and make a tangible difference in their lives.”
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Above Salvadico and Sumagaysay expressed gratitude for the recognition their film received. Although this marks their directorial debut in feature-length film, the couple is more than willing to step aside and redirect the spotlight to the community, saying, “The true credit belongs to them” (Photo: Cinemalaya)
Salvadico and Sumagaysay expressed gratitude for the recognition their film received. Although this marks their directorial debut in feature-length film, the couple is more than willing to step aside and redirect the spotlight to the community, saying, “The true credit belongs to them” (Photo: Cinemalaya)
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The filmmakers call on the government to help value and preserve the land and culture of the Ati communities. They stressed the importance of strengthening and properly imposing the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) and expediting the process of issuing papers including Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs).
“Educating the communities about their land rights can help avoid disputes. It’s also important to give more support to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and take strong action against illegal land grabbing. Supporting projects that respect the land, involving the communities in protecting their environment and making sure they are consulted before any development happens are key steps. Providing legal help will also ensure they can defend their rights effectively,” the couple stressed.
For Salvadico and Sumagaysay, duty must always precede honour. “Filmmakers have the power to inspire change, raise awareness and drive important conversations. They can shed light on pressing social issues, highlight injustices and give voice to underrepresented communities,” they conclude.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
