Media group FYT wins prestigious award for best, immersive story

Independent media group FYT won its first-ever award for the best immersive (360, VR) story about two Igorot women who are fighting to keep their way of life in Sagada, at the Regional Round of the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAAs) 2019.

A cover story of the immersive experience was published on GMA News Online.

The story revolves around the lives of Merly Deppas, president of the Guessang Farmers Organization; and Jennifer Rimando, an indigenous coffee farmer- entrepreneur.

“We chose to tell the story of the indigenous women and farmers in Cordillera because they’ve shown extraordinary courage in fighting for their way of life which is being threatened by climate change and extractive activities like mining and deforestation,” said Voltaire Tupaz, one of the creators of the story.

According to Tupaz, FYT was fascinated by how science and tradition converged in the community, and how the women and farmers were not afraid to unlearn unsustainable ideas and practices.

The FYT team will be representing the Philippines at the AAAs gala finals in Singapore on December 6. They will be joining 35 other regional finalists from the Philippines.

The AAAs is a prestigious award-giving body that honors Asia-Pacific works for creative excellence. — BAP, GMA News