Dir. Mark Moneda
(Philippines, 2024) 15 min 56 Sec / social / Ilocano, Tagalog, English w/ English Subtitles / Rated: PG (Belize Premiere)

The story of “Open Time” is set during the early days of the Drug War Campaign in the Philippines. It revolves around Ponga, a homeless, illiterate teenager who sells floor mats made of fabric scraps during the day and balut (duck embryo) at night. He sleeps anywhere, spending most of his time in a computer shop, watching game tournaments of four alpha student gamers. He serves as the middle man for the prizes and rewards won by betting from one computer shop to another. Hence, Mang Jex, the owner of the internet café, sometimes allows him to sleep right outside the shop to keep an eye on the surroundings. Ponga’s life took a total turn all of a sudden after intentionally barging in on a tournament that surprisingly helped the jocks win. After the four alpha gamers discovered his hidden skill, they immediately gave him a spot on their team. Ponga, being the unexpected leader of the squad, was then given access to a world where hierarchy, inequality, and injustice exist.