“The Blind Soldiers” - A film by Ronald Adamat. Showing September 15, 2023 at selected SM Cinemas.

Set in a rural Mindanao, particularly in Malaybalay Bukidnon, Lanao Del Sur,
Maguindanao Provinces, Cotabato City, and Upi, Maguindanao, as the Japanese invasion intensifies, five men from the Teduray tribe of Cotabato enlisted in the United States of Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) during the World War Two. What starts as a noble intention soon turns out to be a nightmare when they realized the magnitude of the war they signed up for, compounding their struggle is the fact that they are illiterates.

As these Tedurays went under training and preparation to defend their motherland as USAFFE soldiers fighting against the Japanese invaders, their endeavor was real for these tribe men were “no read, no write” but the bravery and patriotism have brought them to excel beyond expectations.

Despite the feeling of trepidation, hunger, anger, loss of a family and friend in the battle these men have suffered the horror of war. With the defeat and surrender of USAFFE, they must rely on each other to survive, rather than surrendering during the war they decided to fight courageously their perilous journey back home, and were later recognized for their bravery and love for their country.

Empowerment Productions' "The Blind Soldiers" stars Ronald Adamat, Soliman Cruz, Long Mejia, Gary Lim, Bong Cabrera.

Ronald Adamat directs with Marianita Lusana. Lily Esquilon as executive producer. The screenplay is by Jim Flores. The director of photography is by Jay Ramirez.