To Be With Ma

Two battered siblings desperately want to sneak out of their father’s house to visit their real mother after being distressed and unable to adjust to their new family setup with their stepmother.

  • Aron Abad
    Director
  • Aron Abad
    Writer
  • Reyana Velasquez
    Producer
  • Reyana Velasquez
    Assistant Director
  • Christian Espiritu
    Director of Photography
  • Christian Espiritu
    Editor
  • Christian Espiritu
    Colorist
  • Christian Espiritu
    Colorist
  • Aron Abad
    Sound Design
  • Aron Abad
    Composer
  • Sabrina Myel Capinpin
    Key Cast
    "Maymay"
  • Arkin Torres
    Key Cast
    "Gelo"
  • Ferdinand "JP Rizal" Cabalhin
    Key Cast
    "Enton"
  • Sharon Ceneta
    Key Cast
    "Rose"
  • Aileen Sahibad
    Key Cast
    "Emily"
  • Marlon Sonny Ducay
    Key Cast
    "Man In The Dreams"
  • Maria Juliana Villar
    Production Manager
  • Maria Juliana Villar
    Script Supervisor
  • Reizel Maira Caballero
    Production Designer
  • Reizel Maira Caballero
    Location Manager
  • Patrick Pregonero
    Sound Recordist
  • CJ Miguel
    Sound Recordist
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    MakasaMa
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Drama, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 7, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    627 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Mapúa University
Director Biography - Aron Abad

Aron Abad is a student filmmaker studying Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking at Mapúa University. He is a director, editor, musical scorer, and sound designer. Aron has proven his artistic prowess by directing, editing, scoring, and sound-designing the experimental film “It’s Bristle Time! (2021)”, which was selected as a finalist in Far Eastern University’s Sinepiyu 2022. The film also won the 2nd Best Experimental Film in the VanGarde Experimental Film Festival 2021 with a Special Citation Award for Most Innovative Experimental Film. His passion for documentary filmmaking has led him to excel as an editor, colorist, sound designer, and scorer for the critically acclaimed short documentary film “Laot sa Lungsod (2021)”, which was featured in various film festivals including the 2nd Sundayag Film Festival (2021), Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (2021), SineDisipulo X Film Festival (2022), and Cinema Rehiyon 14 (2022). Aron's talents as a director, sound designer, and scorer also shone in the film “Akyat-bahay (2022)”, which was selected as a finalist in the MUD Studio’s 3 Shot Film Festival 2022.

Beyond his passion and dedication to film, Aron is also an independent singer-songwriter and music producer in the Philippines.

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Director Statement

"MakasaMa" is a film that delves into the harrowing reality faced by two battered siblings, who, despite their tender age, find themselves trapped in a world of violence and turmoil. Through a captivating blend of Psychological Thriller, Drama, and Comedy, we aim to illuminate the painful realities that children facing domestic violence encounter, while also highlighting their innate "resilience" and "hope". The film's underlying theme of "no escape" & "hope" stems from the profound understanding that many children trapped in abusive environments often feel powerless and devoid of options. We want to shed light on this distressing truth. "MakasaMa" aspires to advocate for their rights and promote a culture of empathy and intervention. "MakasaMa" is a film that aims to touch the hearts of its audience, encouraging introspection and fostering empathy toward the plight of children experiencing violence.