North Luzon Monitor

North Luzon

Ascension by Hannah Silvestre, a short film for the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya

Ascension is a tribute to the Filipino laborer

Filmmaker Hannah Silvestre is tackling the absurdities of modern in her short film, “Ascension from the Office Cubicle.” The 20-minute off-beat existential drama, explores the monotonous grind of the call center industry.

The film centers on Thelma, an overworked and exploited call center agent played by Ginger Nolasco. Overwhelmed by her dreary cubicle existence, Thelma begins a fantastical escape through the late-night local lottery draw. Her craving for connection morphs into a full-blown obsession with the charismatic lotto host, Arman (Dads Valencia), who appears to offer her an illusory way out of her mundane reality. A “tribute to all modern-day laborers,” the film promises a journey through “tiny vices, false hopes and quick fixes” that resonate deeply with the anxieties of the working class.

Silvestre, graduate of the AB Film program at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, her work grapples with existentialism and self-actualization. Her approach to filmmaking earned her a coveted spot representing the Philippines at the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy in Cannes in 2024, an experience that expanded her global creative network. “Ascension from the Office Cubicle” served as her college thesis film, positioning it as a mature and insightful exploration of capitalist routine from a young, rising voice.

The film is also backed Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) with collaborators, with Silvestre also taking on Screenwriter and Editor roles with Cameron Reganit as the Cinematographer and Associate Producer, and contributions coming from Mitch Arren Alvarez (Production Design), Bethany Fuertes (Original Music Score), and Tristan Icban (Sound Design). By Maria Elena Catajan 

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