A Night of Unequal Treatment: The Babae sa Butas Team’s Struggle for Recognition at CineSilip Festival

In the world of independent cinema, every screening is a victory. But for the cast and crew of Babae sa Butas, their premiere night at the 2025 CineSilip Film Festival on October 26 at Ayala Malls Circuit became a lesson in resilience—not just as artists, but as professionals navigating uneven ground.

Directed by Rhance Añonuevo-Cariño, Babae sa Butas is one of seven bold, emerging films selected for the inaugural CineSilip festival—a platform launched by Vivamax to champion fearless Filipino storytelling. Like her fellow filmmakers, Director Rhance hoped to connect directly with audiences through a post-screening talk-back, a common and meaningful tradition in film festivals worldwide.

According to sources from the Vivamax production team, the request for a talk-back was formally submitted ahead of the Sunday screening. However, because it was a weekend, responses from Ayala Malls management were delayed or unreturned. Despite this, the Vivamax team remained on standby throughout the day, ready to coordinate.

At the last possible moment—just as the film was ending—approval finally came. But it was limited: only a brief “thank you” message would be allowed. No Q&A. No audience interaction. Just a short acknowledgment.

What followed was a scene that left many in the room unsettled.

As Director Rhance and the film’s lead stars stepped in front of the audience to deliver their message, the theater lights remained off. With no stage lighting or house illumination, attendees had to turn on their mobile phone flashlights to see the filmmakers—a spontaneous but poignant gesture of support.

There was no microphone provided, forcing the director and cast to project their voices over the hum of the crowd. Still, they spoke with grace, thanking the audience for showing up for a story that dares to confront silence, shame, and survival.

Then came the most jarring moment.

In a lighthearted attempt to rally support, Director Rhance asked the audience to join her in a playful “Now Showing!” chant—a common celebratory call among Filipino creatives. But before the crowd could respond, security personnel intervened, stating that only “thank you remarks” were permitted, and that no other activities were allowed.

The moment ended in quiet disappointment.

For many in the Vivamax team and among the audience, the contrast was hard to ignore. Just days earlier, another CineSilip entry—Dreamboi—reportedly held a full talk-back session at the same venue, complete with lighting, sound, and audience engagement. While details remain unconfirmed, the perception of disparate treatment has left the Babae sa Butas team feeling overlooked, if not disrespected.

This isn’t about entitlement—it’s about equity.
When a festival promises a platform for “fearless storytelling,” that promise must extend beyond the screen. It must include equal access to space, voice, and dignity—especially for films like Babae sa Butas, which centers on marginalized women and truths society often ignores.

Those close to Director Rhance Añonuevo-Cariño described her demeanor as composed and gracious despite the circumstances, emphasizing that the team’s intention was never to make demands, but simply to connect with the audience, express gratitude, and affirm the importance of stories like Babae sa Butas.

Her team’s professionalism in the face of logistical and emotional hurdles speaks volumes. But it shouldn’t have to.

As the CineSilip Film Festival continues through October 28, we hope that all participating filmmakers—regardless of their film’s theme, cast size, or perceived “buzz”—are given the same respect, resources, and opportunity to be seen and heard.

Because true support for Philippine cinema isn’t just about screening films.
It’s about honoring the people who make them.

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Note: This article is based on firsthand accounts from audience members and individuals present during the October 26 screening of Babae sa Butas at Ayala Malls Circuit. Showbiz Tidings strives to report fairly and with context. We welcome comments, clarifications, or official statements from Ayala Malls management, Vivamax, CineSilip Festival organizers, and any other involved parties to ensure a complete, accurate, and equitable account of the events described.

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