Date of Publication

4-8-2024

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts

Subject Categories

Film and Media Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Joey Javier Reyes

Defense Panel Chair

Bruno Lovric

Defense Panel Member

Ruepert D. Cao
Eleazar L. Del Rosario
Abigail Ehlie Quirong-Pole

Abstract/Summary

Kawal is a short drama film that revolves around the concept of utang ng loob or debt of will, a value deeply embedded and practiced in the culture of Filipinos, most especially in a familial setting. Despite its well-intended notion of graciously returning favors, utang ng loob can be manifested in different ways, sparking discussions regarding its repercussions. Some of these include financial abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional traumas rooted in or enabled by the pursuit of fulfilling utang ng loob towards their parents.

Aside from thoroughly researching the root, effects, and recent discourse around utang ng loob, the film’s narrative also utilizes real-life stories that are authentic to the proponents' experiences, as well as anecdotes from informal interviews conducted among their peers in order to truly embody how the value has affected families and personal mindsets of individuals.

The film’s whole production process was done in the span of eight (8) months. The pre-production stage (conceptualization and planning) for the film was executed from August 2023 to the first three weeks of February 2024; principal photography was executed during the last week of February 2024; and the first two weeks of March 2024 was allotted for the post-production (editing, color grading, music scoring) phase of the film.

The final output is in MP4 Format. The film’s language utilizes a mix of Filipino and English; nonetheless, English subtitles are provided throughout.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Short films--Philippines; Gratitude--Philippines; Families--Philippines

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Embargo Period

4-10-2027

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Available for download on Saturday, April 10, 2027

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