In this captivating courtroom drama, Verdict explores how countless women and children in the Philippines hoping to find justice for domestic abuse are up against a patriarchal system that still pushes women to accept an “easy” solution and return to their abusers. After being brutally beaten by her drunken husband, Joy (Max Eigenmann) seeks help from authorities, hoping to have him arrested. But those claiming to be dedicated to protecting and supporting victims of domestic violence dismiss Joy, citing piles of paperwork and, although they appear well meaning, are powerless to help her. Determined to protect herself and her 6-year-old daughter, Joy decides to take her husband to court and fight through a bureaucratic nightmare that will take all of her might to obtain justice in a system that offers little protection to those who need it most.

Winner: Special Jury Prize, Venice

In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize and New Voices New Visions Award