There were 902 entries this year, and the film was one of the 15 chosen for the competition (the other films are from Russia,France, Germany,Italy USA, Argentina,Israel, Taiwan, China, Greece etc.).

For Aureaus it was the fruition of years of struggle to perfect his craft and find the right material that will do justice to his roots as an Indigenous person. In a message he sent to his friends and colleagues Aries said that "This is a Dream come true, a gift from the universe".

The young film artist sees the exhibition and participation of the film as the start of the international advocacy for indigenous rights in Palawan, Philippines. To him, "everything starts in this festival!"

In his parting parting message, Aureus prays , " may all your positive love-energy guide me in the festival this coming October."

A synopsis

PALAWAN-THE PHILIPPINES / 2002 / Palawanon, Tagalog / Color / 16mm /
120 min
Director: Auraeus Solito

Experimental filmmaker Auraeus Solito is a descendant of an
indigenous people of the Philippines, whose way of life was portrayed
in Howie Severino's _Return to the Tribes_ (YIDFF '99 New Asian
Currents). He returns to his hometown on Palawan Island, and captures
the sacred rituals and daily lives of its people on film. We see the
ongoing disintegration of the islanders' lifestyles due to the
intrusion of various forces such as multinational corporations, and
the resulting anger. The echoes of percussion and the rhythm of the
images unite harmoniously, drawing the viewer into the extraordinary
world of this film.