We can see them almost everywhere—boys holding plastic bags and sniffing solvent in order to alleviate their hunger. For other people, these so-called "rugby boys" are an eyesore and a common problem among slum dwellers.

But in Khavn de la Cruz's eyes, they represent a story that is worth retelling. Not only that, it turned out to be a story that would bring honor to the country in the field of filmmaking.

Rugby Boyz, an eight-minute short film directed by Khavn, was recognized as the Best Documentary in the 16th Rio de Janeiro International Short Film Festival that took place in Brazil last December 10.

Based on the festival's website, 360 short films were chosen from a field of 4,031 entries. The grand prize in the international short film fest went to "Starfly" by Beryl Koltz of Luxembourg.

Khavn's documentary also won in the 10th Reel Asian International Film Festival held in Toronto last November 15-19, 2006. It garnered a Special Mention in the Best Documentary category presented by the National Film Board. The Best Documentary award went to "Umma" by Hohyun Joung of Canada/Korea.

Rugby Boyz begins with Filipino boys playing a game of rugby or soccer in the slums of Tondo, Manila. Running, laughing and hugging, these boys demonstrate that even in the most desperate of conditions, youth will find the will to live. Taking us through their day, the filmmaker reveals more of their adventures. Watching them at the karaoke bar and swimming hole, we can only begin to realize the complexity of their situations.