In 2011, Rico Gutierrez, a director and close friend of Augie, approached the writer about adapting the book.
The book ran out of print before recently being re-issued with the help of the Consuelo Foundation, a US-based organization that focuses on the prevention and treatment of abuse in children, women, and families. “That’s why it reads like a fantasy story, then there’s this reveal at the end that it’s not really a superpower,” Augie said. In the story, Lea’s superpower is actually how she copes with the harassment she experiences from her father. “They feel like they’re somewhere else while the traumatic experience is happening,” he added. But I found out about body dissociation, and it’s supposedly common among those undergoing trauma). Pero nalaman ko yung body dissociation, and common daw siya sa mga dumadaan sa trauma,” the writer said. (At first, I had the idea to make Lea a ghost.
“ Noong una, nagkaroon ako ng idea na batang ghost si Lea. The decision to present Lea as a superpowered child was prompted by Augie’s research on a phenomenon known as body dissociation.
I conducted research and interviews at the Child Protection Unit in UP Manila). (The story was not based on a particular child or case. Nagresearch ako at naginterview sa Child Protection Unit sa UP Manila,” Augie told Rappler. “ Hindi naman siya based sa isang particular bata or case. Augie, who is known for his work on classics such as Ang Alamat ng Ampalaya and Xilef, was commissioned by Adarna House and Soroptimist International of the Philippines to write a story tackling child sexual abuse. Behind the storyĪng Lihim ni Lea is based on a children’s book of the same name, written by Augie Rivera. The use of a superhero motif to tackle such a sensitive issue makes this short film unique, and its powerful message has made it a favorite in international film festivals. She is excited to try out her powers at school, only to later realize that her powers are not what they seem.īased on the 2007 children’s book by Augie Rivera and directed by Rico Gutierrez, the short film actually tackles child sexual abuse. Lea later discovers that she can go through walls and doors, and she marvels at her adventures. The protagonist, Lea (Princess Cuvinar), is a young girl who moves into a new condominium with her father. After all, it features a charismatic lead character with “powers” – a staple in popular children’s animated movies. At first glance, Ang Lihim ni Lea seems like another beautifully animated children’s film.
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