The streets of Fusion Alley and Tondo in Manila are heading to one of Philippine cinema’s biggest stages.
Edison Conocido, better known in his community as “Chris Brown” or “Buknoy,” is the central figure of kung paano kakalas (never been there, never), a short documentary film selected as an official finalist for the short category at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Directed by emerging Filipino filmmaker Joseph Vitali, the 19-minute documentary follows Edison during the Christmas season as he races to sell his remaining sherbet (frozen dessert) around Manila before he can finally return home and celebrate with his family.
What begins as a simple working day slowly unfolds into a portrait of perseverance, dignity and the everyday realities faced by many Filipino workers.
Rather than focusing on spectacle, kung paano kakalas invites audiences to see Edison beyond the streets where he earns a living. The documentary captures quiet moments that reveal not only the demands of informal work but also the determination, humour, and humanity behind every sale, offering a rare glimpse into a life that often goes unnoticed.
The film’s selection for Cinemalaya places Edison’s story before a national audience. Established in 2005, Cinemalaya is one of the Philippines’ leading independent film festivals, recognised for championing original Filipino stories and introducing new voices in filmmaking. Every year, it provides a platform for films that reflect the country’s diverse communities, cultures and social realities.
For Director Joseph Vitali, the documentary became something far more personal than originally planned.
“I initially set out to create a film about how people in Manila celebrate New Year for a story of renewal and hope. But the direction of the film shifted when I met Edison,” said Vitali. “A young street vendor who grew up in Quiapo and now lives in Tondo, Edison became more than just a subject, he became a guide. He led me toward a quieter, more intimate understanding of the city.”
Beyond its festival recognition, kung paano kakalas contributes to a growing movement in Philippine independent cinema that values authentic, community-based storytelling. By placing an informal worker at the centre of the narrative, the documentary expands representation on screen and reminds audiences that meaningful stories can emerge from everyday lives, not only extraordinary events.
As the short documentary film prepares for its Cinemalaya 2026 premiere this year, Edison’s journey from the streets of Fusion Alley to one of the country’s most respected film festivals reflects the power of documentary filmmaking to amplify voices that are rarely heard.
“My hope for this film is that it will not only show how they live, but to make audiences feel how even resting, something so fundamental, becomes a privilege. For Edison and for all Filipino workers – this film is for you. I hope it reaches people not just to see, but to truly understand,” added Vitali.
Edison’s story stands not only as a personal journey, but also as a tribute to the resilience of countless Filipinos whose lives deserve to be seen, understood and remembered.
