Experiencing Interruptions?

Unspoken Hope

A Special Education Teacher Leah Surot has dedicated her life to teaching deaf students for 25 years, which include the 10 years at West Central Elementary School in Dagupan City.

Despite having no prior teaching experience and having graduated from a computer degree, Teacher Leah was destined to become a sign language teacher for deaf students. She also has a foster child who is deaf.

The very passionate deaf teacher fights immovably for her students' right to have decent lives free from inhumane treatment and wants them to achieve their goals despite having special needs. She also commits her entire life to the school's transition program, which will assist its students in finding work opportunities.

Despite the heartfelt efforts of SPED teachers like her to to give hope to these children, most of the businesses still do not employ persons with disabilities.

  • Pangasinan Youthcaster
    Producer
  • Charlmagne Christian Ramoso
    Director
  • Edrea-Ann Fernandez
    Assistant Director
  • Rahndal Rico
    Writer
  • Ronzbell Lawan
    Director of Photography
  • Marcelino Infante
    Camera Operator
  • JJ Bautista
    Official Sountrack Singer-Songwriter
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Ilalon Ag Nibalikas
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 16, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    300 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Gawad Alternatibo

    Philippines
    August 4, 2023
    Festival Premiere
    Finalist
  • Student World Impact Film Festival

    United States
    June 18, 2023
    Festival Premiere
    Quarter Finalist
  • City Montessori School - CMS 12th International Children’s Film Festival

    India
    April 10, 2023
    Festival Premiere
    Nominee
  • Cinephilia Flair International Film Festival

    Pakistan
    January 29, 2023
    Festival Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Knowmad Short Film Festival

    Germany
    December 10, 2022
    Festival Premiere
    Best Film - Documentary
  • Together! 2022 Disability Film Festival
    Tudor Road, London E6 1DR.
    United Kingdom
    December 3, 2022
    Festival Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Thokoza Film Festival
    Thokoza
    South Africa
    October 26, 2022
    Festival Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Reel Revolution Film Festival
    Pasay City
    Philippines
    June 18, 2022
    Best Film - Second Place, Best Editing, Best in Musical Scoring
Director Biography - Charlmagne Christian Ramoso

Charlmagne Christian Ramoso, a dynamic and visionary young filmmaker, is making waves in the industry. With his innovative approach, he produces captivating and thought-provoking short films, including documentaries, to draw viewers in and ignite discussions within the community. Hailing from the picturesque province of Pangasinan in the Philippines, he is deeply rooted in telling the stories of his own region.

Driven by his passion, Charlmagne established Youthcaster Production, an independent film production company, comprising young individuals dedicated to showcasing the narratives of their communities. Additionally, he is the Founder and Chairperson of Pangasinan Youthcaster, an active non-governmental organization and youth-led media group striving to combat the spread of misinformation during the ongoing pandemic.

In 2022, Charlmagne directed the moving documentary short "Ilalon Ag Nibalikas" (Unspoken Hope), which garnered national and international acclaim, with premieres in South Africa, London, Germany, and Pakistan. The film, currently in competition at the largest student film festival Student World Impact Film Festival based in the United States, portrays the inspiring journey of a special education teacher as she fights for an inclusive society for her students with additional needs.

As a fellow at the North Luzon Cinema Guild Inc. (NLCG) Danum Film Lab Story Development in 2022, Charlmagne delved into the realm of creative documentary filmmaking. He also played a pivotal role in organizing Istoria Nen Kaluyagan in Dagupan, a mobile film camp initiated by NLCG.

Charlmagne Christian Ramoso's dedication to storytelling, his impact on the film industry, and his commitment to his community make him a rising talent to watch out for. With his creative vision and unwavering determination, he continues to push boundaries and inspire others through the power of film.

His latest project is a creative documentary with a local focus on a protégé of the national artist for visual arts Vitorio Edades, and the state of the local art scene in Dagupan City. The documentary is a finalist for the Montaosa Film Festival in Baguio City, and its premiere is anticipated for the festival's 2024 edition.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Ilalon Ag Nibalikas (Unspoken Hope) is a documentary short film that holds a special place in my heart. It tells the inspiring story of a dedicated Special Education Teacher who devotes her life to teaching deaf students. Through this film, I aim to highlight the yearning for an inclusive society, where individuals with special needs are given equal opportunities and their rights are respected.

The film sheds light on the fight for equal rights in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of businesses adhering to the law and employing persons with disabilities (PWDs). It explores the challenges faced by the protagonist and her students as they navigate a society that often overlooks the capabilities and potential of individuals with disabilities.

My intention with Ilalon Ag Nibalikas is to ignite a community discussion, rallying support for the fight towards an inclusive society. By showcasing the unwavering dedication of the Special Education Teacher and the remarkable achievements of her students, I hope to challenge societal norms and break down barriers. I want to inspire viewers to reflect on their own biases and prejudices, and to actively work towards creating a community that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.

Ultimately, Ilalon Ag Nibalikas aims to serve as a catalyst for change. It seeks to foster empathy, understanding, and dialogue, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. Through the power of storytelling, I believe we can ignite positive transformation and create a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is celebrated and given the opportunity to thrive.