This was one of my first short narrative films that I ever made. I've worked on multiple documentaries but this time wanted to create something that was for myself, as an artist. Naayo is a nod to how far I've come, how hard I've worked to break free from depression and worse. I knew there was so much of my past trauma, baggage and colonial mentality that I needed to let go of, and with this film, I did. A ceremonial gesture.
Naayo is a Bisaya word for healed, something that I am.
I entered this film into a few festivals, but was never accepted. A notable review of it was from Dances With Films NYC:
"Beautifully shot beach scene. We thought the drone shot moving upward was well chosen as a representation of the ashes ascending after being let go. The actress was wonderful in her portrayal of heartbreak."
Logline: A young woman struggling with grief, must find a way to overcome it so she can move forward with her life.
Synopsis:
NAAYO (or HEALED in English) is about a young woman, Mely, who has lost a loved one and is spiraling downward but completely in denial of it. Her friend, Tao, pays a visit and sees how she's been living. She urges her to do something to take care of the real truth behind Mely's behavior. Mely must accept what's happened and choose to take action on the hardest thing she has left to do: let go.
Featuring:
Jen Santos
Benilda Formoso
Lucila Al Mar, Jacob Maracle
N. Henry
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Written and Directed by: Mailyne K. Briggs
Director of Photography: Chris Lascelle
Sound: 145 Productions
Locations:
Stone steps, Encinitas
Morro Bay
Ottawa, Canada
