Benilde Film alumna bags Best Screenplay at NABIFILMEX for ‘City’s Laundry and Taxes’

A graduate of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Film program recently earned the Best Screenplay award at the 13th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition in Davao de Oro for her compelling coming-of-age crime drama “City’s Laundry and Taxes.”

Diana Galang’s short film centers on 17-year-old Miko (Louise Abuel), who assists his widowed mother (Mylene Dizon) in a small-town laundromat outside Manila.

The plot takes a sharp turn when Miko uncovers the missing school ID of a classmate tucked inside a police officer’s  dirty uniform.
Joined by a student journalist (Arabelle Arcega), Miko is thrust into a tense dilemma, forced to choose between the safety of silence and the dangerous pursuit of justice.

The award-winning script sets a personal story of youth against the backdrop of systemic violence.

Galang, reflecting on the narrative’s social weight, noted that the themes remain painfully relevant as public discussions around impunity continue. She crafted the narrative to prompt viewers to reflect on their own roles in shaping society.

Beyond its personal narrative, the 15-minute crime drama directly addresses the normalization of violence and extrajudicial killings during the previous administration.

“With the recent events surrounding the Dutertes’ ICC case and impeachment proceedings, these conversations remain painfully relevant. I hope people who get to watch our film are not only encouraged to never forget, but also to reflect on the kind of society we choose to build
moving forward,” the filmmaker shared.

Aside from its victory at NABIFILMEX, the short film was nominated for Best Director for Galang, Best Actor for Abuel, Best Cinematography for Adam Dumaguin, Best Production Design for Baj San Jose, Best Editing for Miguel Ramos, Best Sound Design for Pepe Manikan and Paulo Dela Cruz, and the Gimadyawan Award for Best Film.

In addition, “City’s Laundry and Taxes” boasts an impressive festival run. Originally developed and premiered as an official entry in the 8th Sine Kabataan Film Lab and Festival, the film won first place in the Narrative Category of the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines Gawad
Alternatibo, where judges lauded its execution, calculated editing, and sharp thematic message.

It also bagged the People’s Choice Award at Pandayang Lino Brocka.

Recently, the film got nominations for Best Short Film at the 49th Gawad Urian, as well as Best Short Movie and Best Short Movie Director at the 42nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

The film’s storytelling is elevated by key artistic collaborators, including musical scorer Glenn Barit, sound designers Manikan and Dela Cruz, editor Ramos, production designer San Jose, cinematographer Dumaguin, and producers Earvic Noay and Angel Hildawa.

Two thesis films from Benilde, “Ang Paglipad ng Saranggola sa Aplaya” by Danielle Cusi and “Budang, Badidang, at Bebang” by Aika Sanchez, also vied for awards at NABIFILMEX, with the former earning nominations for Best Music for Ashanti Bulanadi and Joshua Paraguya.