NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Beyond the Frame

Hannah Reyes Morales' photography is nuanced and deeply intimate. As a distinguished documentary photographer, she has the ability to blend into her surroundings, putting her subjects at ease with her presence. We knew that capturing the essence of Manila through her lens required a verité approach that was both sensitive and unobtrusive—a style that opened a window into her world and showcased the city as she experiences it.

Creative Approach

For this project, our team was ideally suited, bringing years of experience in documentary filmmaking from challenging locations across the globe. Armed with an Alexa Mini, our compact three-person crew shadowed Hannah for three days. We navigated through diverse neighborhoods—from bustling slums to serene fishing villages. Our adventure included getting caught in a rainstorm on the water and finding shelter with locals in a rustic fishing hut, all of which allowed us to experience firsthand Hannah’s ability to put her subjects at ease.

As with any verité shoot, we experienced significant setbacks, including a typhoon that nearly halted our shoot. What were initially planned as scout days were converted into shoot days. We rebooked flights, swapped locations, and leaned heavily on our in-country team to adapt on the fly. This flexibility was crucial in overcoming the logistical hurdles and ensured that we captured the story we set out to tell.

This film stands as a testament to Manila’s resilience as well as Hannah’s unparalleled dedication and profound empathy. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and capture their authentic stories is what makes her work truly remarkable. The resulting footage not only highlights the vibrant and complex tapestry of Manila but also underscores the power of documentary filmmaking in telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.