A graduate of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Film program, filmmaker Diana Galang has earned the Best Screenplay award at the 13th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX) in Davao de Oro for her short film “City’s Laundry and Taxes.”
The 15-minute coming-of-age crime drama follows 17-year-old Miko, played by Louise Abuel, who helps his widowed mother, portrayed by Mylene Dizon, run a small-town laundromat outside Manila.
Miko’s routine takes a disturbing turn when he discovers the missing school ID of a classmate hidden inside a police officer’s dirty uniform. Together with a student journalist, played by Arabelle Arcega, he finds himself caught between keeping silent for his own safety and pursuing what he believes is justice.
Through Miko’s story, Galang explores youth, fear, accountability, and the normalization of violence against the backdrop of broader social issues.
Reflecting on the film’s themes, Galang said its story remains relevant amid continuing public conversations about impunity and accountability. She hopes the film encourages audiences not only to remember difficult chapters in the country’s history but also to reflect on the kind of society they want to help build.
“With the recent events surrounding the Dutertes’ ICC case and impeachment proceedings, these conversations remain painfully relevant. I hope people who get to watch our film are not only encouraged to never forget, but also to reflect on the kind of society we choose to build moving forward,” the filmmaker shared.
Galang was also nominated for Best Director at NABIFILMEX, while Abuel received a Best Actor nomination. Other nominations included Best Cinematography for Adam Dumaguin, Best Production Design for Baj San Jose, Best Editing for Miguel Ramos, Best Sound Design for Pepe Manikan and Paulo Dela Cruz, and the Gimadyawan Award for Best Film.
“City’s Laundry and Taxes” has also built an impressive festival record. The film was originally developed and premiered as an official entry in the 8th Sine Kabataan Film Lab and Festival before winning first place in the Narrative Category of the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines Gawad Alternatibo. It also received the People’s Choice Award at Pandayang Lino Brocka.
The film recently earned nominations for Best Short Film at the 49th Gawad Urian, as well as Best Short Movie and Best Short Movie Director at the 42nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
Galang’s film features a team of established young filmmakers and creatives, including musical scorer Glenn Barit, sound designers Pepe Manikan and Paulo Dela Cruz, editor Miguel Ramos, production designer Baj San Jose, cinematographer Adam Dumaguin, and producers Earvic Noay and Angel Hildawa.
Two other Benilde thesis films, “Ang Paglipad ng Saranggola sa Aplaya” by Danielle Cusi and “Budang, Badidang, at Bebang” by Aika Sanchez, also competed at NABIFILMEX. Cusi’s film earned nominations for Best Music for Ashanti Bulanadi and Joshua Paraguya.
