That We May See

The Illuminating Dawn of Philippine Social Realism

An intimate documentary on the lives and artistic journeys of Renato Habulan, Egai Fernandez, Pablo Baens-Santos, Jess Abrera, and Antipas Delotavo - pioneers of the Philippine Social Realist movement. Centered on the founding of KAISAHAN in 1976, the film examines how the realities of Martial Law under the Marcos dictatorship shaped a generation of artists committed to social engagement through their work. It also highlights the crucial role of CAYA (Center for the Advancement of Young Artists) in nurturing the movement's early development. Through personal reflections and historical and contemporary perspectives, the documentary traces the artists' shared ideals and divergent paths, revealing the challenges, convictions, and creative resilience that affirm their enduring vision of art as a force that shapes Filipino identity—as witness, critic, and visionary. Created in part through a grant of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.