VAWC campaign: Priest abuse film ‘The Hearing’ screens December

Nov. 25 is National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC

The award-winning drama 2024 The Hearing will hold a special screening in Quezon City this December, in observance of the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) on Nov. 25.

Lawrence Fajardo’s “The Hearing” will be shown at the UPFI (University of the Philippines Film Institute) Film Center on Dec. 3, Wednesday, and Dec. 4, Thursday, with 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. screenings.

Set in a small fishing village, “The Hearing” follows Lucas, a deaf boy whose childhood is stolen by an abusive, powerful priest. The film tackles the realities of abuse, disability, and systemic neglect—delivering a deeply human story that echoes the call to protect women and children.

The cast includes Enzo Osorio as Lucas, Mylene Dizon as his mother, Nor Domingo as his father, Rom Factolerin as the town priest, Joel Torre as a lawyer, Ina Feleo as a court interpreter, and Rome Mallari as a relay interpreter. The film was written by Honee Alipio, and co-produced by Center Stage Productions and Pelikulaw.

“The Hearing” has earned critical acclaim, winning Best Editing at the 73rd FAMAS Awards, Best Sound at the 48th Gawad Urian Awards, and Best Actor for Osorio at the 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It has also screened internationally, including at the 2025 New York Asian Film Festival, 2024 Busan International Film Festival, and 2025 Fukuoka Asia Film Festival.

Staying true to its themes, the film also champions accessibility and inclusion through its integration of Filipino Sign Language.

Tickets are priced at P200, with discounted P150 tickets for students, PWDs, senior citizens, and government employees. Pre-registration is available at this link. 

“The Hearing” is part of the advocacy of EdukSine, a Department of Science and Technology-funded platform that supports independent films, in observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAWC from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12, in line with Philippine Proclamation No. 1172, series of 2006, and Republic Act No. 10398.

 

 

“The Hearing” follows Lucas, a deaf boy whose childhood is stolen by an abusive, powerful priest.

 

 

 

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