After Berlinale, Filipino film ‘Raging’ heads to Asian competition in Vietnam

After its Berlinale run, Elijah Canlas-led psychological drama competes at Da Nang Asian Film Festival.

Director Ryan Machado’s award-winning psychological drama “Raging” continues its international festival run after being selected for the Asian In Competition section of the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) in Vietnam.

Machado announced the selection in a social media post, revealing that the film will compete alongside entries from across Asia during the festival scheduled from June 28 to July 4.

“To have a film born from Sibuyan stand alongside works from across Asia is a privilege and a reminder of cinema’s power to connect communities through shared struggles, hopes, and humanity,” Machado wrote.

Set on the remote island of Sibuyan in Romblon, “Raging” follows Eli, portrayed by Elijah Canlas, a young man confronting violence, loss, and the search for justice in a community shaped by extraction and silence.

Also known by its Filipino title “Rumaragasa,” the film is a psychological drama set in the 1990s that explores trauma, survival, and healing. The story centers on a young man grappling with the aftermath of sexual abuse while becoming entangled in the mystery surrounding a plane crash.

The film marked its world premiere at the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, where it emerged as one of the event’s most acclaimed entries, winning Best Cinematography and Best Sound Design.

Its international profile continued to grow after earning a coveted slot in the Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film gatherings.

Written and directed by Machado, “Raging” also stars Ron Angeles and Reynald Santos. The film has drawn praise for its atmospheric storytelling and its portrayal of life in Sibuyan Island, often regarded as one of the country’s most ecologically significant yet underrepresented locations in Philippine cinema.

In his announcement, Machado thanked the festival organizers, cast, crew, producers, partners, and the people of Sibuyan, saying their stories and support made the film’s journey possible.

With its latest selection, “Raging” adds another international milestone to a growing list of achievements, bringing a story rooted in a small island community to audiences across Asia and beyond.

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