Filipino film explores inherited guilt and friendship

P. R. Monencillo Patindol's directorial debut, "i grew an inch when my father died," is set to premiere on January 30, 2026, at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. This feature, dedicated to groundbreaking first-time filmmakers, delves into the lives of two brothers in a Philippine village. Their world is shattered when their abusive father is murdered by a neighbor.

Following the murder, the brothers grapple with their grief and the complex friendship they share with the killer's son, Ricor. The film, written by Patindol and Giancarlo Abrahan, explores themes of inherited guilt and the resilience of human connection amidst tragedy.

Patindol's inspiration stemmed from witnessing children playing in a river during the filming of his short, "Shoredust." He was struck by the enduring friendship between two boys whose fathers were involved in a fatal stabbing incident, one being the victim and the other the perpetrator.

The film also touches upon the persistent presence of superstition in rural Philippines, with one brother finding solace in an imagined "creature." This element reflects Patindol's own experiences returning to his hometown after years away.

"i grew an inch when my father died" was filmed in the Cebuano language, featuring striking desaturated visuals with splashes of color. The title itself is drawn from a poignant line by producer Giancarlo Abrahan, symbolizing metaphorical growth through confronting loss.

Patindol is also developing two other personal film projects: "Rafael," exploring themes of inheritance and fatherhood, and "The Moon Named Me Rain," inspired by a crew member's experience with a mother deemed "possessed."