“Purya, Usog!,” a short film directed by a Taga-West alumnus, shed light into the stigma faced by people living with HIV and AIDS.

This film by Daniel de la Cruz from the University’s College of Communication won Best Film at the Iloilo Youth Short Film Festival.

Superstition turned reality

The short film tells the story of Rosa, a young girl from a secluded barrio who finds herself at the center of a deeply rooted cultural belief.

Initially, Rosa’s symptoms—fever, headache, rashes, and sore throat—are attributed to “usog,” a condition believed to be caused by a malevolent gaze, as diagnosed by the local shaman.

But as the narrative unfolds, it is revealed that Rosa tested positive for HIV, a truth she chose to conceal to avoid judgment and discrimination from the local community.

Youth struggles with HIV

The film highlighted the vulnerability of youth struggling with health issues clouded by stigma and showed how fear and misinformation can lead to dangerous silences.

De la Cruz wanted to depict the rise of HIV cases in the province of Iloilo and the need for awareness and compassion, especially in areas that are still heavily influenced by traditional beliefs.

“By intertwining folklore with the harsh realities of HIV/AIDS, I aimed to bring attention to the often-overlooked struggles of young people who face the dual burden of disease and stigma in these areas,” he said.

Sparking conversations

Through their short film, de la Cruz is eager to ignite meaningful discourse on sexually-transmitted diseases within communities.

“Knowing that our efforts resonated with the judges and audience, and that the film had the potential to spark conversations about HIV/AIDS and cultural beliefs, was incredibly fulfilling,” he stated.

De la Cruz sees the award not as his own victory but as a collective triumph for everyone involved in the project.

Together with his friends from Guimbal, the same municipality he represented, they formed a production team and have been making independent films since 2019.

Over the years, they have honed their skills in filmmaking, and with the accolade by their side, they intend to continue sharing their love for cinema through stories that inspire and spark change.