Atom Araullo’s child labor documentary, “Munting Bisig (Young Arms)”, has been chosen to be the Philippines’ sole nominee at the 4th Asia Contents Awards to be held in conjunction with the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea this October 2022.
The Filipino journalist’s investigation into child labor cases in the Philippines was nominated under the category of Best Asian Documentary in the award ceremony for outstanding TV, OTT, and online content across Asia.
Araullo’s television documentary for the Philippines’ GMA Network is competing against three other works: Netflix’s Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi (India), YouTube’s Interview with a North Korean Spy by Asian Boss (Korea), and YouTube’s One Day of Japanese Host Club by TV Asahi Production (Japan).
“The Atom Araullo Specials” episode “Munting Bisig [Young Arms]” is about children who chose to work despite the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-awarded journalist documented and himself experienced the children’s daily lives and witnessed their hard work to survive – choosing to work despite their young age – to sustain their everyday needs and to help their families.
Atom Araullo's (@atomaraullo ) Atom Araullo Specials: Munting Bisig (Young Arms)" was chosen to represent Philippines at 4th Asia Content Awards under the category of Best Asian Documentary.
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Through the documentary, Araullo met 15-year-old young compressor diver Pancho in Paracale, Camarines Norte, who dives into the mud for a chance to find gold.
Araullo also followed 12-year-old Joshua of Pasay who rides his bike to sell snacks to neighbors to earn money.
“Young Arms” aired in the Philippines last July 2021, a month after the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF released new findings indicating that child labor cases are on the rise all over the world after two decades of decline.
“The Atom Araullo Specials: Munting Bisig (Young Arms)” is vying for the award to be given by the Asian Contents and Film Market 2022 at the 4th Asia Content Awards to be held at the BIFF Theater, Busan Cinema Center on October 8.
Atom Araullo is a multi-awarded Filipino journalist whose works have been recognized by international awards bodies such as his two Gold Medals at the U.S. International Film & Video Festival, Silver Award at the New York Festivals, and Highly Commended Citations at the International Broadcasting Media Awards in London.
Filipinos recognized by the Asia Contents Awards include actress Maja Salvador who won the inaugural awards for her double roles in the hit Filipino television series Wildflower and the Philippines’ ABS-CBN Network with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
With additional reports from Angie Quadra-Balibay.
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