Artemyo and Fedelina, a modest farming couple living in the rural countryside, cling to hope and dignity as they face daily struggles, threatened by the risk of uncertainty, in a world where personal resilience grows in the cracks.
Facing the harsh reality of farming. As external pressures mount-such as threats of displacement, land insecurity, and the creeping influence of powerful interests-their private struggles become inextricably tied to larger systemic issues, highlighting the fragile position of many farmers who depend on the land for their survival and dignity.
Such is the story of Binhi, a film directed by Ayaa R. Ahmed from Holy Cross of Davao College that bagged the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category Film.
Such were the compelling stories of hope and highlights of the PelikulAgraryo 2025.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held the PelikulAgraryo 2025 Central Film Festival Awards at Novotel Manila Araneta City to celebrate the inspiring stories and triumphs of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs).
A total of 68 schools and universities across the country joined the first PelikulAgraryo, producing 101 film entries. From the regional rounds, 27 short films were selected as finalists-12 under the ARBO category and 15 under the ARB category.
‘Thank you for participating and supporting DAR’s programs. You are the new heroes-our modern-day youth heroes,’ DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said in a statement as he praised the students’ talent and compassion.
‘Today’s youth are exceptional-more informed, more capable, and full of fresh ideas. We should listen to them.’
According to DAR, PelikulAgraryo 2025 was not just a film festival-it was a movement. ‘It reminded everyone that the stories of the land and its people must be told, celebrated, and preserved. The films used the youth’s creativity to uplift the most vital yet often overlooked sector-agriculture. As the festival concludes, a new chapter begins-for DAR, for the storytellers, and for every farmer whose story continues to unfold.’
Currently, the 27 winning short films are already available for public viewing on the DAR official website, allowing audiences to experience the real and inspiring journeys of farmers and communities empowered by agrarian reform.
Moving forward, the agency aims to further amplify these stories by sharing all short films gathered from 68 schools nationwide across various digital and broadcast platforms.
‘These remarkable entries reflect the creativity and empathy of student filmmakers who brought to life the stories of our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs),’ it said.
‘This initiative seeks not only to promote the mission and vision of the Department but also to highlight the hope, perseverance, and success that define agrarian life. Through these films, DAR envisions a broader appreciation of the transformative power of land reform and the enduring spirit of the Filipino farmer.’
There are various award categories that include Best Teaser, Best Poster, Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Sound. It also gave awards to actors who portrayed the characters.
The winners took home cash prizes of P20,000 to P60,000.