Filmmaking is often at its most powerful when it shines a light on the corners of society that are frequently left in the dark. For student filmmaker Kiah Resurreccion from Far Eastern University Department of Communication and his creative team at Kwatro Kantos Production, that light has illuminated a path straight to critical acclaim.
Their compelling documentary “Shalom” has recently captured the Best Documentary and Best Director awards at the Película Universitaria (Intercollegiate Division) of Sine Tomasino Film Festival 2026 at the University of Santo Tomas.
“Shalom” follows the raw, gripping journey of an underground Mixed Martial Arts fighter. The documentary strips away the bravado of the sport to reveal a deeply personal narrative: a “black sheep” navigating not just the physical blows of his opponents, but the punishing internal battles and emotional truths of his own life. It is a story that mirrors a familiar, often painful childhood experience, exploring what lies ahead for someone fighting to find their place in the world.
“As an artist, I made it my resolution to give a voice to those unheard stories within society,” Resurreccion revealed. For the team, the accolades are a validation of that mission. “Receiving Best Director and Best Documentary was not just a win for us filmmakers, it served as a message toward people like Uel saying ‘we see you.’ This is our emotional truth; this award goes to everyone sharing the same experience.”
The film’s poignant storytelling and striking visuals have earned it steady recognition over the past year. Early buzz for the film began at the TAM DokyuFest 2025, where it took home Best Trailer and Best Cinematography for director of photography and writer Jana Magos.
The film successfully transitioned to the national stage during the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2026, where it bagged the 2nd Best Documentary award.
For Kwatro Kantos Production, which is also composed of producers Francis Fontanilla and Anton Joaquin Salvan, the overwhelming reception from audiences and critics alike has been deeply fulfilling.
“Ang Shalom ay isa sa mga materyal na pinakamalapit sa puso ng Kwatro Kantos Production, kaya naman ang masubaybayan itong nagugustuhan at tinatangkilik ng mga tao ay tunay ngang nakapagbibigay sa amin ng lubos na kagalakan at katuparan,” Magos shared.
“Labis kaming nagpapasalamat sa Sine Tomasino at sa mga taong nakapanood at nagbigay ng positibong pahayag tungkol sa aming dokyumentaryo, nang dahil dito’y dama namin ang bunga ng aming pagkakaisa at pagmamahal sa aming likhang sining sa pagbabahagi ng storya ni Usef a.k.a. ‘Shalom.’ Hindi ito basta pagkapanalo, ito rin ay nagsisilbing paalala sa amin na patuloy na magtiwala at huwag tumigil sa paglikha,” she added.
As “Shalom” continues to engage audiences, the filmmakers express their gratitude to everyone who supported, watched, and believed in their vision. Ultimately, the team views these awards not just as trophies, but as profound reminders of why they must keep telling stories that matter. —Seymour Barros Sanchez
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