Filipino documentary on WPS dispute wins intl award

Filipino filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama's documentary "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" won the Tides of Change award at the Doc Edge Festival 2025 in New Zealand, where it held its global premiere.

The film is dedicated to Filipinos defending the West Philippine Sea, asserting that their truth is now being heard by the world.

The documentary aims to highlight the experiences of Filipinos involved in the West Philippine Sea conflict, humanizing the dispute between China and the Philippines.

It tells the stories of Filipino fishermen, Philippine Coast Guard, and Navy personnel who risk everything to defend their waters and way of life.

The director, who previously won Best Picture at the MMFF for "Sunday Beauty Queen," hopes the film will champion the protection and freedom of Filipino fisherfolk.

The documentary had previously been removed from the Puregold Cinepanalo 2025 local film festival.

The film's associate producer, Therese Malvar, expressed hope that Filipinos back home will eventually see the documentary.

Malvar noted the film's journey from being banned in its own country to being screened internationally.