Advocacy film on Philippine Scout Rangers premieres May 24
An award-winning advocacy film, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo,” written and directed by Dominic P. Nuesa, is a gripping story of two brothers reunited despite being separated by conflicting beliefs, and the heroism of Filipino soldiers in the thick of a fourdecade old war against terrorism.
It stars a talented cast that includes Ping Medina, Bong Cabrera and Mike Liwag.
Inspired by the real stories of Special Operations soldiers known as the Philippine Scout Rangers, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” is an intense film filled with raw action that introduces brothers Jamiluddin (Cabrera) and Omar (Liwag) along with Sgt. Benjie Calayan (Medina) within the terrorist-infested island in Southern Philippines. It is notable in its research-based authenticity.
“Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” (The Sun Behind You) is a fulllength film feature debut and has been nominated in the prestigious Nice International Awards in the most coveted categories such as Best Director – Dominic Carlo P. Nuesa, Best Lead Actor – Mike Liwag, Best Supporting Actor – Ping Medina, Best Editing – Javier Abola and Best Sound – Greg Rodriguez III.
Produced by Nuesa’s An Earth Below Productions, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” has already won five international awards: Best Film in Auckland International Film Festival, Global Award Winner at the Europe-based ARFF (Around Films International Film Festival), and Awards of Recognition for Feature Length, Best Actor (Bong Cabrera) and Best Supporting Actor (Mike Liwag) at the Accolade Global Film Competition in the United States.
Opening in Philippine theaters this Wednesday, May 24, a major part of the proceeds from the boxoffice receipts of “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” will be donated to Help Educate and Rear Orphans (HERO) Foundation, Inc. The foundation aims to uplift the families of soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines who were killed or incapacitated in the line of duty by providing educational assistance to their children to obtain a college degree or vocational course. In return, this will help them have a wider range of opportunities in their future and our society.By taking care of their children, HERO Foundation salutes the Filipino soldiers for their sacrifices.
An avid supporter of the Foundation, director Nuesa was inspired to tell their stories in film.
“Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” is a testament to heroism and sacrifice, and challenges us to be more knowledgeable and understanding when trying to make sense of violence and national security. Fighting for a cause, or making a stand, one eventually must sacrifice something and ultimately ask if it was worth it.
A pioneering fusion of filmmaking and advocacy at its best, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” is part of this generation’s must-see in an emerging genre of relevant films that aims to elevate the youth’s awareness about the complexities of the Muslim conflict.