Apo Whang-Od in a scene from “Treasure of the Rice Terraces.” Image: Emmett Sparling via Treasure of the Rice Terraces’ official website
“Treasure of the Rice Terraces,” a documentary that explores the roots of traditional mambabatoks through the perspective of indigenous tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od and her apprentices, will be screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) in October.
“Treasure of the Rice Terraces” is directed by Filipino-Canadian filmmaker Kent Donguines, who returned to the Philippines to reconnect with his roots in the hope of strengthening the “weakened traditional identity among many Filipinos he knows and meets.”
Filmed in Canada and the Philippines (specifically in the Kalinga region), the documentary also highlights the importance of “preserving tattoo culture for future generations” while countering “issues of identity, cultural appropriation, stigmatization, and discrimination against tattooed individuals.”
According to Donguines, the idea of the documentary came about in 2016 when he was still in film school.
“Growing up, I often felt disconnected from my culture, and this documentary is my way of reclaiming that knowledge. This film is my effort to reclaim my heritage and challenge the exploitation that shaped our culture,” he said in its official website.
“The film highlights the rich traditions of the Indigenous Filipino community in Buscalan, showing how their culture has evolved through colonization and Western influence. It also captures their resilience in adapting to the tough terrain,” he continued.
The documentary also features appearances by Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Kim Atienza, Mark Bumgarner, Grace Palicas and Lars Krutak.
The documentary will be screened on Oct. 5 and 6.
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) will run from Oct. 2 to 11. /ra
