ilmmaker and disability advocate Mae Chan Li brings a powerful story of accessibility and inclusion to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 with “Para-Paraan (Finding a Way Through),” an official finalist in the Short Film Category.
Through the lived experiences of a wheelchair user, the film sheds light on the everyday barriers hidden within ordinary spaces, challenging audiences to recognize exclusion in places society often considers accessible.
Para-Paraan follows Kat, a wheelchair user who navigates a city where accessibility is often improvised and inclusion remains inconsistent. Through everyday encounters and quiet observations, the film reveals the physical and social obstacles embedded in ordinary environments and the constant adjustments required simply to move through them.
What begins as a personal journey evolves into a thoughtful reflection on the systems that shape participation, questioning why resilience is so often expected from persons with disabilities instead of creating spaces where accessibility is the norm.
The film stars Katrina Hernandez, who also serves as editor and executive producer. Mae Chan Li takes on multiple creative roles as director, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer, production designer, original music composer, sound designer, and producer, reflecting her deeply personal vision for the project.
Beyond filmmaking, Li is the co-founder of Kat Out of the Box, an advocacy platform that creates content promoting disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusion. Through her work in film, digital media, and community engagement, she continues to champion better representation of persons with disabilities while encouraging meaningful conversations about equity and belonging.
Para-Paraan (Finding a Way Through) is among the finalists in the Cinemalaya 2026 Short Film Category, alongside Elenita Elena Elaine, Honey, My Love, So Sweet, Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, kung paano kakalas., Runo!, Silkscreen, Sorbetes, The Keeper, and The River Flows in Different Places.
Meanwhile, the Full-Length Category finalists are A.ni.mál, 2 Valid IDs, Ganggang, Mag-iina, Hand of God, Kaka sa Yawan, Status: Rejected, Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, and Tirik.
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026 runs from August 6 to 18, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza, selected Ayala Malls, and Gateway Cineplex.
