Objectifs Documentary Award 2025: Sa ngalan ng payapang pampang (In honor of tranquil shores)

By Victoria Perote (The Philippines) Recipient of the Objectifs Documentary Award, Emerging Category Lower Gallery I, Objectifs 10 April to 31 May 2026 Mentored by Ezra Acaya Supported by Truth Seeker Foundation ____________________________________________________ Sa ngalan ng payapang pampang tells the stories of five women who were either incarcerated or forced into hiding during the period of Martial Law in the Philippines for being associated with activist activities. Despite their experiences, these women continue to advocate for civil and workers rights as activists, educators and historians. The title for the exhibition is inspired by a line in Dekada ‘70, a book by writer Lualhati Bautista: “Ang payapang pampang ay para lang sa mga pangahas na sasalunga sa alimpuyo ng mga alon sa panahon ng unos.” (Tranquil shores are only for those who boldly oppose raging waves during storms.) Martial law was in place in the Philippines from 1972 to 1986, under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. This period of history is acknowledged by historians and political scientists as a time of widespread human rights abuse, with extra-judicial killings, torture, forced disappearances and imprisonment inflicted on individuals who resisted the regime. Currently, 11,103 victims of martial law have officially been granted reparations by the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, but many other claims remain unaddressed. In an effort to learn more about Martial Law and its impact, Victoria Perote spent time with these women to learn about their life experiences and their motivations, assembling portraits of strength, tenacity, and an unyielding sense of social justice and commitment to equality. Their stories are an acknowledgement of the crucial role that women play in effecting social change, and a reminder that individuals have the power to champion critical issues and challenge oppression. For more information about this exhibition, visit https://www.objectifs.com.sg/tranquil-shores/. ____________________________________________________ The Objectifs Documentary Award champions Objectifs’ mission to broaden perspectives through image making, by supporting original voices in visual storytelling in Singapore and the wider region. The Award enables photographers to work on new or existing projects, encouraging them to tell stories about their native communities.