iACADEMY

The Gawad Urian Awards, established in 1977, are the most prestigious annual film awards in the Philippines. Presented by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a group of respected critics, writers, and scholars, the awards recognize the highest achievements in Filipino cinema. Winning a Gawad Urian symbolizes excellence in artistry, storytelling, and cultural impact beyond box office success.

Among the prestigious recognitions, Sumagaysay and Salvadico earned a nomination for Best Director, while Sumagaysay also received a nomination for Best Screenplay alongside Arden Rod Condez. These honors place them among the most celebrated filmmakers of this year’s Urian, presented annually by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, the country’s pioneering and most respected critics group.

For the two filmmakers, Tumandok is more than just a film, it is a testament to their long-standing collaboration with the Ati community in Sitio Kabarangkalan, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. Over the past five years, they have worked closely with the Ati people, producing short films that brought attention to indigenous stories from the sitio and other cultural groups across Western Visayas. These experiences eventually inspired the creation of Tumandok, their first full-length feature.

The film has also become a platform to amplify the voice of the Ati people, who continue to fight for their ancestral land. By bringing their story to a larger audience through the Gawad Urian, the filmmakers hope to shed more light on the challenges indigenous peoples face.

The two filmmakers previously joined iACADEMY’s iNDIEGENIUS program, which nurtures young and emerging voices in Philippine cinema. Their work on Tumandok echoes the program’s vision of bringing meaningful stories to life, stories that spark dialogue and drive change across the country.

Learn more about iACADEMY here: www.iacademy.edu.ph