Behind the Film Manas: The Real Stories Children Can’t Tell
Manas reveals a truth parents must confront: abuse often happens where a child should feel the safest
We hear stories of child exploitation and abuse every day, and what is most alarming is that many of these come from within families. A UNICEF report shows that 138 million children worldwide continue to be exploited through child labor. Meanwhile, UNICEF’s 2024 Fast Facts report notes that nearly 50 million adolescent girls aged 15–19—about 1 in 6—have experienced physical or sexual violence from a husband or partner.
The same report shows that girls living in fragile or vulnerable settings face the highest risks, with sexual assault and rape remaining disturbingly prevalent. These realities echo the narrative presented in Manas, a Brazilian film directed by Marianna Brennand. First shown in 2024, the film was recently screened at the QCinema Festival held from November 14 to 23.
Photo from manasfilme
The Women of Marajó
Manas is the culmination of a decade-long research journey undertaken by director Marianna Brennand among the women of Marajó Island, a remote community deep within the Amazon. The story unfolds through the eyes of 13-year-old Marcielle, also known as Tielle, who initially appears carefree and deeply attached to her sister, Claudia, who has left for Rio.
As the film progresses, we learn that Tielle carries a heavy and painful secret. A supposed hunting trip with her father turns into a scene that hints at sexual abuse. She later finds herself boarding a barge where she is coerced into “selling” more than the shrimp she brings, suggesting a cycle of exploitation she cannot easily escape.
Caught between her desire to flee and her duty to protect her family members, who themselves are trapped in abuse and in fear of their lives, Tielle’s journey illustrates a grim reality that extends far beyond Brazil.
Manas mirrors what international data and real-world cases reveal: these stories are not isolated. They exist across nations—including our own.
The Philippine Story
Tielle’s experience is painfully similar to the realities faced by many young girls living below the poverty line in the Philippines. In its 2022 Scale of Harm study, the International Justice Mission (IJM) Philippines reported that 500,000 Filipino children had been trafficked for online child sexual exploitation materials (CSEM), often through livestreaming. Many of these acts were facilitated by adults—sometimes even trusted caregivers.
News reports have also documented consistent cases of children rescued from sexual abuse and violence. These incidents underscore that violence against women and children remains pervasive, whether in the Philippines or across the globe.
There may be various factors that lead adults—sometimes even parents—to harm their children, but none of these will ever justify abuse. While the film depicts Tielle’s effort to save her younger sister, real-life children in similar situations often do not have the same chance or support.
Photo from manasfilme
To Parents: Educate and Empower Your Children
Manas serves as a powerful reminder to parents: begin educating and empowering your children early. Teach them that they matter, that they have agency, and that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. They are not commodities. They are human beings with purpose, dreams, and potential.
To educate a child means not only teaching values but showing them, through consistent behavior, that they are important and loved. To empower a child means modeling empowerment yourself so they can see what strength, self-worth, and boundaries look like.
More than lessons and lectures, children need attention, affection, and affirmation. They were entrusted to us for a purpose—and that purpose is nurtured through presence, support, and protection.
More on movies that depict social issues
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Sunshine Is the Wake-Up Call Filipinos Need About Teen Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Manas is a drama documentary that was made by Marianna Brennand, who conducted research and interviews with the women of Marajo in Brazil, documenting the stories of sexual abuse they’ve experienced.
The film won the Director’s Award at the Giornate section of the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024.
Manas was one of the five entries from Brazil submitted as a potential Oscar entry. Controversy erupted due to the perception of political and personal abuse in the Oscar process. It also got the backing of actress Fernanda Torres. Eventually, another film, The Secret Agent, was submitted as an entry.
