Imago (2016)
A quietly devastating Filipino short film about a Manila mother whose nights hold a secret no one expects.
Imago - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 15m
- Original Language: Tagalog
- Spoken Languages: English, Tagalog
- Production Countries: Philippines
Imago - Plot
A fifty-four-year old single mother lives in Manila. Each night she leaves home to carry out an unusual job.
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Imago - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
Main Cast
- Ruby Ruiz
- Louie Tan
- Upeng Fernandez
- Dominique Leslee Q. Fuentes
- Inna Tuason
Writers
- Raymond Ribay Guiterrez
Producers
- Brillante Ma Mendoza
Imago - FAQs
What is Imago about?
Imago follows Inday, a 54-year-old single mother living in Manila, who spends her days in quiet routine before slipping out each night for a mysterious and unconventional job. The film is a tense, intimate portrait of survival, secrecy, and the hidden lives ordinary people lead beneath the surface.
What is the unusual job Inday does at night?
The film deliberately withholds a full explanation early on, building suspense around Inday's nightly activities. As the story unfolds, her nocturnal work is revealed to be deeply tied to themes of desperation and moral ambiguity, making the reveal one of the short film's most powerful dramatic moments.
Where can you watch Imago online?
You can check current streaming availability for Imago on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so JustWatch is the best place to find up-to-date options.
Who plays the lead role in Imago?
Ruby Ruiz takes on the central role of Inday, the aging single mother at the heart of the story. Ruiz is a celebrated Filipino actress known for her powerful, naturalistic performances, and her portrayal here is widely regarded as the emotional backbone of this short film.
Who directed the 2016 Filipino short film Imago?
Imago was directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, a Filipino filmmaker who later gained international recognition with his feature Verdict (2019), which competed at the Venice Film Festival. Imago is an early showcase of his talent for intimate, socially grounded storytelling.
Is Imago based on a true story?
Imago is not based on a specific documented true story, but it draws deeply from the social realities of life in Manila. The film reflects the economic pressures and quiet desperation faced by many working-class Filipinos, giving it a strong sense of authenticity and emotional truth.
How long is the film Imago?
Imago runs just 15 minutes, making it a short film rather than a feature. Despite its brief runtime, it packs a remarkable emotional punch, using every minute deliberately to build character, atmosphere, and dramatic tension in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.
What are some films similar to Imago?
If Imago resonated with you, films like Insiang (1976), Inay (1993), and Starting Over Again (2014) offer similarly grounded Filipino stories centered on women navigating hardship. For broader international comparisons, Sky (2015) and Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) also explore female resilience under difficult circumstances.
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