Award-winning actress Jodi Sta. Maria lends her voice as narrator to ABS-CBN News’ newest documentary “Hindi Suntok sa Buwan ang Kapayapaan” (Peace is Not a Moonshot), which features the stories of Bangsamoro women at the frontlines of peace, airing this September 7 (Monday).
Written by ABS-CBN News’ senior producer Dianne RJ Obdin and Palanca award-winning journalist Jeff Canoy, the documentary delves into the personal stories of three women whose pasts were tied to the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), living their transition to civilian life following the 2014 peace deal between the government and MILF leaders.
The documentary marks Sta. Maria’s first foray into documentaries. “I feel honored to be able to do this. I was reading the material at ang dami ko rin natutunan,” said Jodi.
“Na-excite ako about what’s happening next for these women. Peace is something na matagal nilang inasam…they were praying, yearning, and wishing for more. Hindi lang ‘yong mga kababaihan but the whole community is in transition.”
The documentary also marks a full-circle moment for the actress who previously starred in the 2001 film “Bagong Buwan,” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, which explored armed conflict in Mindanao and its effect on civilians.
ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral expressed her appreciation for Jodi, who immediately said ‘yes’ to the project.
“We were looking for a particular voice that could carry the weight of powerful stories about women searching for purpose in the aftermath of conflict. Jodi’s narration brings life and empathy to these stories that are not often seen and heard,” said Francis.
“Hindi Suntok sa Buwan ang Kapayapaan” is set to premiere on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel on September 7, 8 PM. It will also be available on cable via the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and on streaming platform iWant.
