In the final days of the Japanese occupation in 1945 Philippines, a 21 year old Filipino farmer named Julio joins a pro-Japanese militant group to provide for his ailing father, until he meets a 20 year old anti-Japanese insurgent named Maria, who has come to seek shelter in his house. With the Japanese grip tightening, Julio must choose between saving his family or Maria to survive the end of the Second World War or perish with it.
Director’s Comment: Kung Ika’y Makapili (If You Were to Choose) was born from our desire to shed light on the often-overlooked parts of Filipino history. My partner and I realized how rarely we see our complex past represented on screen—especially stories like that of the Makapili, who are remembered with controversy and pain. This film does not aim to justify their actions, but to explore the human choices behind them. By telling this story, we hope to challenge black-and-white views of history, spark reflection, and help younger generations understand how the past continues to shape our national identity today.
David Kairu Castillo (known as "Kairu") is a Filipino filmmaker and offline editor from Batanes, Philippines. Growing up in the breathtaking landscapes of Batanes, Kairu draws inspiration from nature and regional cinema, focusing on authentic stories and exploring underrepresented narratives. Kairu has worked on multiple short films in various roles, including director, editor, and is a versatile crew member on set. As a filmmaker, Kairu hopes to create films that tell stories that have yet to be shown on screen.