‘FOOD DELIVERY’: A BOLD NARRATIVE ABOUT PINOY FISHERMEN, FRONTLINERS

"FOOD DELIVERY," the latest documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama, is a powerful and deeply impactful film.

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I had the opportunity to attend her presentation on Sept. 26 during the Film Industry Conference, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), where I was invited to serve as a moderator for a panel titled "The Right Price: The Economy of Cinema and Its Impact on Habits of the Filipino Audience.

Arriving early, I sat in on her talk — and after witnessing the emotional depth and urgency of her work, I had to interview her.

More than just a documentary, “Food Delivery” is a bold, human-centered narrative that gives voice to the Filipino fishermen and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea, shining a light on their quiet heroism in the face of geopolitical conflict and national struggle.

Baby Ruth Villarama is a director and producer known for championing authentic Asian stories through international documentary co-productions.

She is a Chevening Scholar and holds a Master’s Degree in Film Impact and Distribution (with commendation) from Birmingham City University.

She currently sits on the executive board of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, where she advocates for artistic freedom and ethical filmmaking practices. She is also a visiting lecturer at the UP Film Institute and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the Oscars), under the Documentary Branch.

Her latest work, “Food Delivery,” captures the quiet heroism of Filipino fishermen and also highlights the tireless efforts of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. This unfolds amid China’s continued refusal to recognize the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That ruling invalidated China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Here are highlights from our conversation: