Manila, Philippines, October 26, 2023 – “There is always light,” says 21-year old Irish Miras, as she remembers the trauma she experienced as a child. Her voice is soft, her words strong. “If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her: ‘We are alive. We are doing okay.’”
Irish is one of four young women featured in the documentary Sine Niña, a film that showcases the unique stories of women across the Philippines. Each story is set to inspire, uplift, and empower audiences—as well as start important conversations around equality, purpose, and mental health.
The film is the culmination of a partnership between SPARK! (Samahan ng mga Pilipina Para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran), an NGO committed to the development of women and women’s organizations; and Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, which provides grants to projects that support social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world. The partnership harnesses the power of storytelling, using music and film to highlight women’s rights and advocacies.
Directed by Carmen del Prado, Sine Niña, was scored by Pat Lasaten and Agnes Reoma of Ben&Ben, and features songs by Ben&Ben, Barbie Almalbis, Hazel Faith, and Any Name’s Okay.
The film made its debut last October 18 at Gateway Cinema 6 in Quezon City, with hundreds of students in attendance. The screening featured a panel discussion, as well as performances by Sony Music Entertainment (SME) artists Kai Buizon and Hazel Faith.
The screening was scheduled to coincide with “International Day of the Girl,” a day of observance which seeks to unite and empower adolescent girls, while providing them with more opportunities—an objective that director Carmen del Prado kept close to heart while making the film. “To quote [one of the girls in the film,] ‘It’s a story about a hundred other girls out there choosing passion over practicality,’” del Prado says. “So here’s to women supporting women!”
Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, could not agree more: “Sony Music Entertainment is dedicated to empowering and elevating all members of societies where we have a presence. We are committed to bridging gaps in society and look forward to the long-term impact of Sine Niña in helping unlock the potential of young women in the Philippines,” she says. “Together, let us build a future where every young woman can claim her rightful place and contribute to the progress of our society.”
Other partners of Sine Niña are: The US Embassy in the Philippines, The J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Girls Got Game, the Quezon City Government, and the Taguig City Government.
Sine Niña will be available to stream on the SPARK! YouTube channel by the end of the month. It will also be screened in schools nationwide.