Bridging the reel and the real, the Junior Philosophers Guild (JPG), in partnership with Handala Project Philippines, launched “Voices of the Land: Films for Peace and Justice,” a film screening series that goes beyond fiction to highlight the real struggles and hopes of communities striving for peace, justice, and humanity.
The initiative turns mere cinema screens into spaces of solidarity, amplifying the voices of the Palestinian people whose long-standing pursuit of freedom and dignity echoes like a quiet plea across borders.
The first of a three-part screening series was held yesterday afternoon, October 22, at Room E53 of the CASS New Building. The kick-off event featured two films, namely From the Ground Zero (2024) and House Under the Crescent Moon (2001). The films demonstrated how Mindanao and Palestine mirror one another, showing that peace and self-determination struggles transcend time and place.
From a ticket price of 30 pesos, the entire proceeds from the sales and donations will go directly to Handala Project Philippines, a volunteer-based organization that operates to advocate and provide financial assistance for Palestinian relief efforts.
According to Hannah Valerie Acama, the main organizer of the event and a volunteer of the Handala Project Philippines, their aspiration is for viewers to go beyond sympathy and realize that the events in Gaza are “a direct, historical result of continued deep-rooted neo-colonialism.”
“The film series is designed to demonstrate that the fight for peace and self-determination in Palestine is not a distant geopolitical event, but a reflection of the struggles for justice and dignity that resonate deeply with our own history in the Philippines,” she explained.
Following the screening was a talkback session to give way for meaningful discussions. One student shared that the film depicted scenes of violence and displacement that resembled those of the Marawi Siege. It triggered painful memories of the sounds of bombs and gunfire, which demonstrated the shared experiences of people who live in war zones.
This sharing stirred the audience, evoking heartfelt emotions of empathy and sorrow for those whose lives are affected by such destruction and chaos.
The highlight of the discussion has drawn heavy attention to the crisis in Palestine, more than a far distant happening, but part of a shared struggle against oppression, war, and other injustices. Organizers and students alike look forward to greater participation from the MSU-IIT community in the initiative as a reminder that justice anywhere is tied to justice everywhere.
The screenings will continue on October 29 and November 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at CASS E53. Students are urged to attend and take part in this ongoing act of solidarity, for every ticket purchase is a significant contribution towards helping the people of Palestine.
Written by Kayrel Madlos
Proofread by John Vincent Balustre
Photos by Charlize Carvajal
Photo Edit by Aiyeesha Abah
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