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The Void Is Immense in Idle Hours

A young woman and a grieving mother confront their tragic truths and forgotten dreams.

synopsis

Rosemary (19) works as a saleslady who is often stationed at the mall warehouse. She spends her days isolated at the dark and dusty corners, tucked and hidden along with her dreams of becoming a singer. But her daily routine takes a drastic turn when she becomes the last person to see a 16-year-old boy before he disappears. In the wake of her son’s disappearance, Agnes (35) is relentless in her search for answers. She crosses paths with Rosemary in hopes of finding clues to lead her to find her missing son. As their bond deepens, Rosemary and Agnes uncover each other’s truths. Agnes grapples with her lost son and her long-held desire to leave the country long before she became a mother. Now, the dream feels like both an escape and a distant memory. On the other hand, Rosemary’s dream of becoming a singer faces uncertainty as she discovers her pregnancy with no one by her side. The two of them attempt to navigate their new realities: Agnes, consumed by the loss of her son and guilt of her abandoned dreams, and Rosemary who is on the cusp of motherhood, uncertain of the life she is about to bring. They find solace in one another, seeking not only justice and closure of the past but also courage to face the unknown future.

Director’statement

The Philippines and its long history of impunity has desensitised us with stories of violence. These acts, while horrific, are often treated with numbness, as though they are expected. But looking at these events, I realise the experiences that tend to be invisible. Who is left behind? What does it mean to live with pain? What choice is left to make? The Void Is Immense in Idle Hours is not only about the process of grief, but an attempt in understanding. Through a series of observational imagery, we stay and emphasise on simply being – being with their pain, their struggles, and their quiet moments of introspection of their emotional voids. Through these we seek to portray the complexity of healing and seeking justice in a society that has grown accustomed to suffering.

TFL PROGRAMME:
ScriptLab 2024

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