Private Project

Gutab

Set in a small provincial town, the story centers on two young women named Jo-an and Sabel. Jo-an is known for winning different local beauty pageants. She is the epitome of an innocent and beautiful young woman. Sabel is a mat weaver’s daughter. A free-spirited eighteen-year old who dreams to be free from certain societal constraints. Their last encounter together before Sabel leaves home urges Jo-an to make a life-changing decision.

  • Mary Andrea Palmares
    Director
  • Mary Andrea Palmares
    Writer
  • Mary Andrea Palmares
    Producer
  • Jun Bryan Masangcay
    Producer
  • Demee Louise Daypuyart
    Key Cast
    "Jo-an"
  • Kristina Bagac
    Key Cast
    "Sabel"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 19, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    470 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Philippines Visayas
  • SeaShorts Film Festival
    Malaysia
    Malaysia
    August 25, 2021
    Southeast Asian Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video
    Manila, Philippines
    Philippines
    August 6, 2021
    Official Selection
  • Sinepiyu Manila
    Manila, Philippines
    Philippines
    July 12, 2021
    Best Narrative Film
  • Cinema Rehiyon
    Manila
    Philippines
    February 25, 2022
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Mary Andrea Palmares

Mary Andrea Palmares is an aspiring filmmaker from Libertad, Antique, Philippines. She graduated from the University of the Philippines Visayas under the degree Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, major in Film.

Gutab (2021) is the first short film she has solely written, co-produced, and directed.

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Director Statement

In some places, being born as a woman is often considered a problem. Until now, a lot of women suffer from harassment, inequality, and discrimination. In this film, the main characters represent two out of various situations of women in society, one being confined by different domestic roles and the other being objectified because of her beauty.

With this project, I hope women will become more empowered and be reminded that they are not mere objects confined inside their homes. That their feelings, decisions, and actions are always valid in defying various constraints brought by society.

Also, this honest and sincere narrative of two women who are both in pursuit of their dreams and freedom will hopefully open people’s hearts and minds about the true concept of love, and shed light on the deeper truth that we are all allowed to love anyone we choose. That love knows no boundaries, and it is no one’s choice of who we love or how we love, but ours alone.