“Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” a documentary examining the lives of Filipino fishermen, naval cooks and coastguard personnel in disputed maritime territories, secured the Tides of Change prize at the Doc Edge Festival in Auckland on July 3.

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama, the eighty‑five‑minute film had initially been withdrawn from a Philippine festival in March due to unspecified external factors.

A formal request from the Chinese Consulate in Auckland sought cancellation of its New Zealand screenings, alleging the film contained disinformation and served as a political tool.

Festival organisers declined the request, publicly releasing the consulate’s letter in the interests of transparency.

Villarama described the award as recognition of “honest storytelling,” noting the film offers a “gentle yet powerful” reframing of maritime tension.

Festival organisers reaffirmed their independence and curatorial freedom.

The documentary chronicles day‑to‑day operations in the West Philippine Sea, including rotation missions undertaken by the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to contested areas, alongside the precarious lives of fishing communities.

Its portrayal juxtaposes personal narratives against broader geopolitical claims.

Villarama, whose previous work includes a documentary about Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, returned to the Philippines on July 7 following the New Zealand win.

She noted in interviews that the film was intended to convey empathy and a human perspective, rather than serve as political messaging.

As an Academy Awards qualifier, Doc Edge’s recognition makes the film eligible for Oscar consideration.

Additional screenings are scheduled in Wellington and Christchurch later this month, with an online showing set from July 28 to August 24.