Directed and produced by Grace Pimentel Simbulan. 2019. Philippines. 73 minutes. Country/region featured: Philippines, Zambales In person Q&A with Grace Simbulan Living in a remote corner of the Philippine islands, Agustin is a tribesman who loves to sing, but never had the opportunity to learn to read or write. When his boss cheats him out of his wages seemingly for the thousandth time, 40-year old Agustin decides to enroll in grade 1. Over the next six years, however, Agustin becomes increasingly torn between two realities – the children’s world in school, and the increasing challenges of the world outside. Presented in an immersive style, the film invites audiences to hope and dream with Agustin, and to understand the harsh reality that makes his optimism — and the optimism of many indigenous in his situation — ultimately so fragile. Distributed by the filmmaker www.aisforagustinfilm.com
