Filipino political and social drama “2 Valid IDs,” directed by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, is set to compete at the 41st Mar del Plata International Film Festival in Argentina, happening from November 5 to 15, 2026.
The film is among 14 international features selected for the festival’s main International Feature Film Competition, joining works from filmmakers around the world, including Danny Boyle, Miwa Nishikawa, and Simon Stone.
Written by award-winning screenwriter Abet Pagdagdagan Raz, “2 Valid IDs” examines the struggles of ordinary Filipinos dealing with poverty, bureaucracy, and a system that often puts rigid requirements ahead of people’s urgent needs.
The story follows Sylvia, a struggling farmer who needs to claim money sent by a relative through a remittance center to pay for her husband Ramon’s medical treatment. However, she faces a major obstacle when she is asked to present two valid government-issued identification cards despite not having even one.
Marietta Subong stars as Sylvia in a dramatic role that follows her Best Actress win at Cinemalaya 2026. She is joined by veteran actors Joey Marquez and Meryll Soriano, along with Zaijian Jaranilla.
For Asuncion-Dagñalan, the film brings an everyday Filipino experience to an international audience, raising questions about the challenges faced by people who lack access to basic identification and government services.
“It’s only in the Philippines that we are asked to show 2 valid IDs to get another ID. What happens to those who don’t have any? What happens to the people trapped in a chaotic and inhumane system?” the director said.
She describes the film as more than a story about bureaucracy, highlighting how poverty, excessive red tape, and inflexible rules can prevent people from accessing essential services. The story calls attention to the need for a system that responds with urgency and compassion.
The film is backed by executive producers Geo Lomuntad, Claudia Diaz Cojuangco, Ben Tsai, HJ Li, Paolo Fernandez, Mitch Fernandez, Jim Baltazar, and Lydia Gapas.
Its creative team includes cinematographer Neil Daza, production designer Mao Fadul, editor Vanessa Ubas-De Leon, sound designer Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla, and musical scorers Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas.
As “2 Valid IDs” heads to Argentina for its South American premiere, the film brings a distinctly Filipino social issue to the international stage, highlighting the human cost of bureaucratic barriers and the importance of treating vulnerable communities with dignity.
