'The Atom Araullo Specials: Eye in The Dark' bags gold medal at the 2023 New York Festivals

"The Atom Araullo Specials" just bagged a gold medal at the 2023 New York Festivals.

The documentary series, hosted by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Atom Araullo, was honored for the story "Mata sa Dilim (Eye in The Dark)," a documentary that tackles online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines.

This is the team's fourth medal since 2019. 

In his acceptance speech, Atom said, "On behalf of GMA News and Public Affairs, I would like to thank the New York Festivals for recognizing our work. Online Sexual Exploitation of Children is a tremendous concern in the country, and we hope our documentary contributed in a small way to finding solutions to the problem." 

"Mata sa Dilim" as executive produced by Ian Carlos Simbulan, directed by Aaron Papins, produced by Cristina Aure, Richelle Equiron, Mark Ledesma, Izza Beatriz Bermudez, Marco Romas and Vince Maverick Rodriguez and researched by Elisha Manas, Angelie Rose dela Rosa, Nicole Macarandang, Zion Macaraeg,  Emil Palon, Patrick Vindel Cruz and Chan Salvador.

The gold medal of "Mata sa Dilim" is one of several awards GMA Network took home from the prestigious New York Festivals this year.

Aside from "The Atom Araullo Specials: Mata sa Dilim (Eye in The Dark)," the New York award-giving body also recognized three more GMA programs for this year, including "Wounds of Woes" by "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Stand for Truth's "Runaway Child Bride," and "Maria Clara at Ibarra."

"Maria Clara at Ibarra" won a bronze medal for Entertainment Program: Drama. It follows the story of Klay Infantes (played by Barbie Forteza), a nursing student who is transported to the world of Dr. Jose Rizal's novels, "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo."

"Wounds of Woes" by Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho bagged a gold award under the Documentary: Health/Medical Information category. The documentary follows a 14-year-old boy who suffered from wounds all over his body that was discovered to be lamellar ichthyosis.

"Runaway Child Bride" by Stand For Truth clinched a bronze award under the Documentary: Cultural Issues category. It told a story about child marriage.

For over 65 years, The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards has honored exceptional and innovative content from more than 50 countries. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News