THE HEARING

THE HEARING
by LAWRENCE FAJARDO

100 minutes | Drama | R13

CAST
Mylene Dizon, Nor Domingo, Ina Feleo, Ruby Ruiz, Enzo Osorio, Angie Castrence, Marvin Yap, Rom Factolerin, Rome Mallari, Ruslan Jacob Asumbrado

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR – Lawrence Fajardo
SCREENPLAY – Honee Alipio
CINEMATOGRAPHY – Roberto Yñiguez
PRODUCTION DESIGN – Ian Traifalgar, Hai Balbuena
EDITOR – Lawrence Fajardo, Ysabelle Denoga
ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE – Peter Joseph Legaste
SOUND – Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS – Sheila Yusay, Lawrence Fajardo, Brillante Mendoza
CO-PRODUCER – Honeylyn Joy Alipio, Mylene Dizon, Satur Dela Rosa, Robert Yñiguez
PRODUCER – Krisma Maclang Fajardo
LINE PRODUCER – Endi Balbuena
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS – Meg Bryan Bermudez, Mary Antonette Perez, Neil Howard Bantoc

LOGLINE
Embroiled in a legal battle against a powerful figure, a deaf boy, with the support of his parents, cross paths with a court sign language interpreter who can speak but is voiceless in her own home.

SYNOPSIS
Lucas, a deaf boy from a small fishing village, is sexually abused by Fr. Mejor, an influential priest. After his parents Madonna and Dante discover the truth, they decide to file a court case against the priest despite the obstacles in their way. In their pursuit of justice, they cross paths with sign language interpreter Maya, who has also witnessed powerful people manipulate the results of cases. In a society where few choose to listen, how can they win against forces that silence those who cannot speak and break the souls of those who can?

FILMMAKER’S PROFILE

LAWRENCE ‘LAW’ FAJARDO is known for his fast-paced action films that focus on the Filipino people’s hard experiences, often connected to the struggles of workers and the character’s upliftment. His works have competed and screened in international festivals in South Korea, UK, Japan, Germany, France, USA, Canada, and Italy. His filmography includes: Kintsugi (202), screened at the Osaka Asian Film Festival; A Hard Day (the Philippine remake of the Korean action film); Reroute (2022), starring Volpi Cup winner John Arcilla; short film Kultado, won the Special Jury Prize at the first Cinemalaya in 2005; debut feature film Raket ni Nanay, won Best Sound and Editing at the Cinema One Originals; Amok (2011), a finalist in the New Breed Category of Cinemalaya, won Best Sound and Editing in the Gawad Urian in 2012; Posas (2012), won Best Film in the Director’s Showcase Category of Cinemalaya, won Best Film at the Hanoi International Film Festival. He returned to his theater roots in 2013 with “Imbisibol” at the Virgin Labfest 9 (revisited in VLF 10). Imbisibol made its on screen debut as an entry to the first Sinag Maynila, winning Best Director, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and Best Actress. He is currently directing the ABS-CBN telenovela Pamilya Sagrado.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

We have found great stories in our research, but there’s a stronger sense of urgency with certain stories which demand to be told because action must be taken. Through this film, we want to try to give voice to those who cannot stand up and speak for themselves. About 70 percent of deaf children are sexually abused in the Philippines regardless of their gender. There are legal and language barriers; many cases are unreported, and as there are very few sign language interpreters in the country, especially in the regions, many cases are dismissed simply because of this lack. Many Deaf people from various provinces are not trained in Filipino Sign Language; legal language is difficult enough to understand for the average hearing person, so how does one who cannot hear and express themselves understand and be understood as they fight for their rights as human beings? We hope this film properly addresses the need to change and improve our education system, laws and the justice system to protect and serve everyone especially the most vulnerable.