THE NEXT 24 HOURS

THE NEXT 24 HOURS
by Carl Joseph Papa

14 MINUTES, 7 SECONDS | Drama

CAST
Christela Marquez

PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR/EDITOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/PRODUCER/ANIMATOR – Carl Joseph E. Papa
SCREENPLAY – Jasmine Mendoza-Yu
CINEMATOGRAPHER – Johmar Damiles
PRODUCTION DESIGN/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER – Aurthur Mercader
ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE – EJ Aguado
SOUND DESIGN – Nicholai Minion
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS – Carlos Ortiz, Leo Liban, Jon Galvez
PRODUCER – Anna Velario
ANIMATORS – Eru Petrasanta, Joseph Brillantes
ANIMATION SUPERVISOR – Louie Mercader

LOGLINE
After a sexual assault, a young woman navigates a cold and bureaucratic system over the course of 24 hours, fighting to reclaim her safety and sanity while battling the manipulations of her assailant.

SYNOPSIS
Sheila, a 29-year-old living in Metro Manila, is grappling with the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. Over 24 hours, she faces a detached healthcare system, hides her trauma at work, and resists her assailant’s manipulation. Consumed by shame, fear, and disbelief, Sheila struggles to reclaim control of her body, her life, and her safety. “The Next 24 Hours” is a harrowing and intimate look at what it’s like to navigate a society that often fails to protect its victims.

FILMMAKER’S PROFILE

CARL JOSEPH PAPA is a software engineer by profession but being a storyteller has always been his passion. His short animated films and feature length animated film have been recognized in the Philippines and abroad — Annecy International Animation Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Animator Film Festival, NETPAC, BIFAN, Asia Pacific Screen Awards to name a few. His most recent film Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) made history as the first animated film to represent the Philippines for Best International Feature Category at the Academy Awards.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

The most critical period for victims of sexual aggression is often the most difficult: the next 24 hours. During this time, emotions can be overwhelming, self-doubt can creep in, and the immediate need to seek help can feel impossible. The following hours are incredibly critical for both a survivor’s medical and legal options, but taking those crucial first steps can have a significant impact on their well-being and ability to seek justice. With “The Next 24 Hours” our goal was to reflect this harrowing reality. By shedding light on the urgency of these initial hours and portraying the difficult choices a survivor faces, we hope to empower those who have been victimized. The film’s message is clear: you are not alone, you are not to blame, and your voice is essential.