Dust It Off

— A Gritty Yet Heartwarming Filipino Short Film About Survival in the Slums of Manila

Hi, I’m Dale Cosio.

I’m making a short film that explores one of the most controversial street foods in the world: Pag Pag.

Pag Pag is a verb. Its literal translation in Tagalog means “to brush away” or “to dust off.”

And it’s fitting — because Pag Pag, the food, earned its name from the way it’s gathered. It refers to the leftover food scavenged from the trash, washed, recooked, and eaten by those who have no other choice.

It’s a story that not even all Filipinos are aware of.

And that’s exactly we're so determined to make this film — in order to shed light on the daily lives of those who live it.

The Story

The story explores the idea of how one persons trash ends up becoming another’s means for sustenance.

A privileged boy accidentally drops his meal, forcing his nanny to throw it away. From there, we follow the journey of that discarded food — how it changes hands, crosses invisible lines, and ultimately becomes the infamous Pag Pag.

In a city where the rich and poor coexist but rarely meet, that single meal becomes the thread that connects several lives

The Logline

After throwing away a perfectly good meal, a maid unwittingly sets in motion a quiet story of hunger, class, and survival in the heart of Manila.

The Creative Vision

The creative vision for Dust It Off is to capture an unpolished and raw feel — something as real and imperfect as the world it portrays.

The majority of the film will be shot guerrilla-style, using documentary-style camerawork to place the viewer directly within the environment.

We’re aiming for high-contrast, gritty lighting to convey the trenchant atmosphere of life in the slums of Manila.

The slum itself is very much an integral character of the story, which is why we’ll be shooting entirely on location, using minimal props to preserve authenticity.

Mission Statement

Dust It Off isn’t a story about poverty — it’s a story about presence.

Set in the slums of Manila, the film observes the rhythm of daily survival without commentary or conclusion.

There are no heroes, no villains, and no lesson to be learned — only the intent to look closer.

Through stillness and realism, the film aims to bring audiences as close as possible to feeling what it might be like to live as one of those people who exist unseen.

Why I’m Making This Film

To speak plainly...

I grew up around people who live these stories — those who survive quietly, without recognition or complaint.

Dust It Off is my way of showing their world as it is: raw, unfiltered, and human.

I’m not making this film to seek pity or provoke outrage.

I’m making it because these lives are real — and they deserve to be seen.

About Me

I’m a Filipino-American filmmaker. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States when I was nine years old. Although Dust It Off will be my directorial debut, I have worked in the film industry for nearly five years and have taken on several roles over the years - starting from a production assistant to wardrobe assistant, to an on set decorator, to assistant director and many more. Each role taught me a different side of storytelling and what it truly takes to bring a vision to life. Now, I’m taking everything I’ve learned and putting it into a story that feels deeply personal — one that brings me back to where I came from. This film isn’t about proving myself as a filmmaker. It’s about using the craft I’ve grown up around to give voice to people whose stories often go unheard. I may be directing for the first time, but I’m telling a story I’ve known my whole life.

How You Can Help

I am personally funding a good portion of the film. That said, we are still seeking support to complete the financing and bring the project to its full potential.

Your support will go toward:

Equipment Rentals – camera, lighting, and sound gear

Crew Compensation – fair pay for local filmmakers and crew

Post-Production – editing, sound design, and color grading

Festival Submissions – to share the film with audiences worldwide

Even the smallest contribution helps give this story the platform it deserves.

Why It Matters

This film isn’t focused on making a statement, merely to make space for stories rarely told.

It gives attention to the lives that exist on the edges of comfort, the ones people often look away from.

If cinema can reveal truth, then Dust It Off is a reflection of that truth — one that’s been waiting too long to be seen.

Join Me

Please consider donating or sharing this campaign.

Your support doesn’t just fund a film — it helps give visibility to the people and places that rarely make it to the screen.

For more information please reach out to me directly!

I am more than happy to answer all and any questions.

Thank you for helping bring Dust It Off to life.

— Dale Cosio

Writer | Director