Emerging filmmaker Joseph Vitali brings an intimate portrait of perseverance and everyday struggle in kung paano kakalas. (never been there, never.), an official finalist in the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026.
Set during Christmas in Manila, the documentary follows Edison, a street vendor determined to sell his remaining sherbet before the holiday ends so he can finally go home and celebrate. When customers fail to arrive at his usual spot, Edison embarks on a journey across the city in search of buyers, revealing the quiet resilience and sacrifices of workers whose celebrations begin only after the day’s labor is done.
Starring Edison Conocido, also known as “Chris Brown” and “Buknoy,” the documentary offers a deeply human look at the lives of ordinary Filipinos, highlighting the dignity of work and the realities faced by those who keep the city moving even during the holidays.
The film is written, directed, edited, and produced by Joseph Vitali, an emerging filmmaker from Manila whose work is shaped by his working-class upbringing in informal communities. His films explore everyday life, safe spaces, and social injustice through observation-driven storytelling rooted in lived experiences.
Vitali began his filmmaking career in 2023 as a camera operator before transitioning into cinematography and directing. He was recently selected for Batch 30 of the Ricky Lee Scriptwriting Workshop, where he further honed his storytelling under National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.
His debut film, sa likod ng salamin (reflections of the end) (2024), earned recognition across local independent film festivals with multiple awards and nominations. His latest work, kung paano kakalas. (never been there, never.), continues his exploration of working-class realities in Metro Manila, while his third film, nakalimutan ko na kung paano (2026), is currently in post-production.
Other Cinemalaya 2026 Short Film Category finalists are Elenita Elena Elaine, Honey, My Love, So Sweet, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, Para-Para-an, Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, The Keeper, and The River Flows in Different Places.
Meanwhile, the Cinemalaya 2026 Full-Length Category finalists are A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Hand of God, Mag-iina, Kaka sa Yawan, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 will run from August 6 to 18, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza, selected Ayala Malls, and Gateway Cineplex.
