This is Why ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ is Worth of Oscars 2024 Nomination

As the Philippines' official entry for the Oscars 2024, "Iti Mapukpukaw" deserves its nomination and global recognition for several compelling reasons

by Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos from Cinemalaya and Film Development Council of the Philippines
December 11, 2023

Trigger warning: sexual assault, violence, and spoilers ahead

Filipinos, as moviegoers, keep on searching for something unique and worth watching. Some of us prefer diverse genres, yet some enjoy watching movies that are aligned with the real world. Thus, we are also focused on the happenings on the international stage, including movie screenings, competitions, or even awards such as the Academy Awards or the Oscars. This year, with the 96th Academy Awards, the Philippines showcases the talent of Filipinos in cinematography with our official entry in the category of Best International Feature Film Category, the full-length movie titled ‘Iti Mapukpukaw,’ which was directed by Director Carlo Papa. Let’s delve deeper into the story and take in why it is worthy of this significant nomination.

Not Your Average Filipino Film

As Filipinos are used to loveteams and romantic comedy-like genres, it is hard for movies that tackle serious and deep topics to catch the attention of many. ‘Iti Mapukpukaw,’ which means ‘The Missing,’ is a Filipino-Ilocano movie that follows the story of Eric, an animator with no mouth. He encounters “familiar aliens” after the death of his uncle, which also triggers him to remember his tragic memories.

With Carlo Aquino, Dolly De Leon, and Gio Gahol as characters, it is interesting how the movie unfolds from a simple story down to the complex happenings in the main character’s life. The plot revolves around the story of Eric (Carlo) being sexually assaulted by his dead uncle when he was a kid, which was the same reason why some of his body parts like his mouth, genitals, ears, eyes, and hands disappeared all throughout the movie.

The plot is different from other movies released locally, as it may affect the personal and emotional well-being of the audience. You can feel the repressed and dark emotions or even experiences of the main character. In the Philippines, where it is still taboo to talk about sex, this movie is an eye-opener that will lead the audience to sympathize with sexual assault victims.

Unique Cinematography

In terms of technicalities, the movie is indeed different by harnessing the power of animation. It is the first full-length animated rotoscope film in the Cinemalaya roster, which also holds this year’s highest-grossing film. In the Philippines, it’s hard to find an animated film or series that carries heavy and deep adult themes such as violence and sexual assault because animated series are often about fantasy, anime, and science fiction.

The whole team made up the story of Eric from scratch, including his character and his essence. Even the director himself sees this movie as an animated film from the very start, as he believes that “animation is not a genre but a visual form” that can tell stories that live-action films do. The unique cinematography of the movie enhances the story of Eric to become like people who underwent the same tragic experience.

Call to Speak Up

The disappearance of Eric’s mouth at the beginning signifies an important thing in the movie, as it disappeared right after the assault. This symbolizes the inability of Eric to tell the truth or his stories to other people, even his own family. Throughout the movie, he loses essential parts of his body as he remembers his past, which signifies that the tragic incident made a big change to him, like he was being stolen of important body parts that he needs to function in his everyday life.

Iti Mapukpukaw has become a sanctuary or refuge for people who have also experienced the same thing. Eric embodies the trauma of the victims of sexual assault—well, he signifies them. In the end, Eric tells his story to his mom, Rosalinda (Dolly), and to Carlo (Gio). They accompanied him to reclaim the missing parts of his body inside the casket of his uncle. The movie tells us that it is not too late to speak up. The director, the production, and the movie itself send the message that finding the courage to speak up will be the reclamation of one’s self.

Iti Mapukpukaw delivered a heavy message in a unique and light animation. It gives a safe space and a sense of comfort for the people who experience the same thing, while it sheds light on the people who don't. The story and the essence of the movie are vital to the community. It needs global recognition to provide a refuge for the victims of sexual assault and to give them the courage to speak up. Indeed, it deserves the nomination in terms of technicalities, characters, and message. On March 10, 2024, at the Oscars, Iti Mapukpukaw will represent not only the Philippines but also the stories of every victim of sexual assault.