Pulis!: A short feature film on a police officer who results to corrupt acts to be able to provide better for his daughter

• Main Authors: Pangan, Marie Therese Paulette I., Sayoc, Noreen Ann A., Villanueva, Athena Marietriz I.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Police > Philippines > Social conditions > Drama; Police corruption > Philippines > Drama; Shor films > Philippines
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/9661
• Institution: De La Salle University

Pulis! is a short feature film about Julio, a struggling widowed police officer who eventually succumbs to illegal means of earning to give a better life for his 12-year-old daughter, Toni. The story tackles police corruption and his relationship with his family and police senior, Dante. In the end, his young daughter's perception of her heroic father is irrevocably shattered when she finds out the truth about him and his work. This film strives to share with their viewers a possible situation on how police officials act and misuse their authority to gain extra income. It also aims to inform, remind and warn the police that the country is indeed aware of their wrongdoings and that the higher authorities should act upon this unjust misconduct of some officials. The film challenges the security system of the Philippines to re-align their system's purpose so that law enforcers would do their duty well and also for citizens to respect their authority. It aims to encourage and to push the higher authorities to implement stricter policies so that the police will be the instruments of justice and not corruption. Another aim of the film would be to show the viewers of the desperate actions of parents, especially single parents, that are caused by the low income from government sectors in the country. It aims to show the innocence of a young girl who greatly influences the actions that the father will take. A big number of the citizens in the country are found below the poverty line which can lead to committing unethical acts out of desperation for the family's better upbringing. Additionally, the film also allows the audience to see the effects of within the eyes of the youth, particularly through the policeman's daughter. Lastly, the film also aims to elaborate on the notion of false heroes. The film is set in a situation wherein the one who perceives the notion of a false hero would be the man's own daughter. False heroes, a common idea found within the country especially in the government, is a very important topic that should be talked about. From presidents to department secretaries, false heroes are not rare.