Indie artist Louise Abuel returns with a youth-driven production titled 'City's Laundry & Taxes'
In a powerful and poignant narrative, Louise Abuel's short film "City's Laundry & Taxes" has been making waves in the Filipino film industry. The film, which was selected as a finalist in the Sine Kabataan short film competition, premiered in 2025 as part of the festival.
The 15-minute film centers around Louise Abuel's character, Miko, a teenager who helps his mother run their small laundromat. Miko's life takes a dramatic turn when he uncovers a school ID of a missing classmate hidden among a police officer's used clothes. This discovery sets in motion a series of events that push Miko to confront silence, injustice, and the cost of action over complicity.
The film is directed by Laguna-born Diana Galang, a former student journalist who graduated from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Galang draws inspiration for the film from her own haunting thoughts about police brutality, creating a narrative that is grounded in themes of youth resistance and the power of speaking out against systemic violence.
"There is no better time to tell this story than now, when many still fail to realize that silence holds as much power as words - but only when it is finally broken," Galang said, as reported by Angela Divina, an intern at our website.
The film also stars veteran actress Mylene Dizon, indie stalwarts Grace Schuke and Clifford Gonzales, and newcomer Arabella Arcega, who portrays Miko's former writing partner, Gwen. The production of "City's Laundry & Taxes" is led by UP Film Institute student Earvic Noay.
"City's Laundry & Taxes" is one among 10 selected features for the 8th Sine Kabataan Film Lab and Festival, an annual short film competition and lab for emerging Filipino filmmakers. While the exact premiere date is not pinpointed beyond being in 2025, the most recent mention is from August 1, 2025, confirming its eligibility and participation in the 2025 Sine Kabataan festival.
"City's Laundry & Taxes" reflects fear, uncertainty, and the burden of knowing, but also highlights the quiet strength of choosing to act despite it. The film is a testament to the power of youth, courage, and moral decision-making in challenging circumstances.
[1] Information sourced from various online articles and press releases.
The powerful narrative of "City's Laundry & Taxes" is gaining attention in the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, offering a fresh perspective on themes of youth resistance and entertainment. As the film premiers in various Filipino film festivals, it promises to deliver a poignant message about the power of speaking out against systemic violence.
