Hot Seat

When two young siblings are accused of theft by a convenience store owner through the CCTV footage, they are thrust into a challenging situation that unravels their family’s deep-seated trauma, forcing them to confront their past and find a way to heal.

Directed by Johmar Damiles
Produced by Anna Velario and Nicole Valientes

Director’s Bio: Johmar Damiles, a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas major in Communication Arts, is a filmmaker based in Quezon City, Philippines. He served as the cinematographer and co-writer for Heist School, a Cinemalaya 2019 Shorts entry that won the Audience Choice Award and screened at local and international film festivals. Additionally, he is the director, co-writer, and editor of Hot Seat, which was featured in both the 6th SineKabataan Film Festival and the 2024 New York Asian Film Festival. He received a special citation on Children’s Rights at the 4th Lagerway Awards for Hot Seat. Currently, he works as a motion graphics designer and video editor in the advertising industry while pursuing his filmmaking dreams.

Plays in

Our Biggest Supporters: Family Shorts

Have you ever been confused or lost or even hurt? What happens when you don’t know the answer or what to do? Never Fear! You have your very best friends, your brother, your sister, parents, teachers, and even pets! They will lend an ear, cheer your spirits, give good advice, and unconditionally love you. The following animation and live action films show that there is always someone there lifting you up when you are down.