FIGAT

FIGAT
(TOMORROW)
by Handiong Kapuno

15 MINUTES, 16 SECONDS | Drama

CAST
Aeoli Siagan, Tiffany Pagigian

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR/SCREENPLAY/CINEMATOGRAPHER/EDITOR/ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE/SOUND DESIGN/PRODUCER – Handiong Kapuno
SCREENPLAY/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – Giullienne Sanchez
PRODUCTION DESIGN – Rowell Pagigian
OTHERS – Rowell Pagigian

LOGLINE
While the world is lost in screens, a young Kalinga girl – untouched by the pull of technology – brings a handmade instrument to class, carrying the voice of her ancestors and inspiring a quiet yet powerful return to cultural pride.

SYNOPSIS
Figat is a simple and uplifting short film that follows Ching-ay, a spirited young girl from Kalinga who carries the soul of her ancestors amidst the noise of modern distractions. When her teacher assigns the class to bring a musical instrument, Ching-ay chooses to embark on a journey to craft a traditional instrument from her roots. Guided by her elders and the rhythms of her heritage, she discovers the profound beauty and power of her culture. Along with her best friend Gu-ay–as, Ching-ay plays her handmade instrument before her classmates, not only bridging the gap between past and present but also awakens a sense of cultural pride that resonates far beyond her classroom. Figat is a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the quiet strength of a young girl determined to keep her culture alive.

FILMMAKER’S PROFILE

HANDIONG KAPUNO is a multifaceted indigenous Filipino artist who has an innate passion for his heritage, performance art, and film as a director and cinematographer. Exposed to the grassroots, Kapuno is often reminded to create with truth and purpose. He aims to build his career as a cinematographer and as an interdisciplinary storyteller, and to bring pride to his Kalinga and Bicolano ancestors.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

We were inspired to create Figat — which means Tomorrow in Kalinga — to shine a light on the beauty of life in the provinces of the Cordilleras and to honor the indigenous instruments of my Kalinga tribe. In today’s world, so many are consumed by screens and endless distractions that they forget to appreciate the simple, grounding joys of life. This disconnection worries me, as traditions that once bound us to our ancestors are fading with each generation. Through Ching- ay’s story, I want people to see a life still intertwined with the land, music, and stories of our elders. She represents the child I hope still lives within all of us — one who listens to the heartbeat of her heritage and carries it forward with pride. Figat is my way of saying we must reconnect to our roots, wherever they may be, because in them lies the wisdom, beauty, and strength we need for tomorrow. I want the world to be inspired by Ching-ay’s quiet courage and to remember that the future is brightest when it grows from the souls of our ancestors. We were only three people on our team, and we believe that we were able to create this film with the help of our God-sent ancestors.