Two Filipino Short Films Makes It To The 2nd Festival Of Short Films On Disability Inclusion In Paris

PARIS, France—In line with the celebration of the International Disability Day last Dec 3, 2025, UNESCO Paris organized the 2nd Festival of Short films on disability Inclusion was held at the UNESCO Cinema to highlight the wealth of artistry that PWDs offer in order to put the spotlight on their daily lives as individuals and communities.

The short films share the realities that they face in a myriad of contexts from global problems such as climate change or access to health and education, as well as personal stories of triumph against adversity. The short films aim to highlight resilience, celebrate diversity and ampify their voices by raising public awareness and informing viewers about ways to promote inclusivity.

From 20 short films from different parts of the world, two Filipino short films were included:

"At Home", directed by Arjanmar Rebeta and produced by Giya Studios. It is a documentary film about Christian Apolinario who was invited to Australia to receive the Best International Actor Award from a film festival. As he ventured in Sydney, he cannot avoid to compare his home country to this foreign land in terms of PWD accessibility.

"Agapito", directed by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero, which centers on a group of pin setters working at a duckpin bowling alley, particularly Mira who is desperate for the job to support her older brother Junior, who lives with cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

For Jedd Tan who is an advocate for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and instigator of this festival, it was a dream to have this festival in UNESCO. “Sana magkaroon din tayo ng film festival sa Pilipinas at maipakita rin ang ibat ibang storya ng mga kapatid nating may kapansanan.”

Meanwhile, Linda Tinio-Le Douarin, Deputy Chief Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue Section Social and Human Sciences Sector UNESCO-Paris is acknowledged for her exemplary efforts in making the festival a reality.