There’s a tranquil serenity to this feature debut from Venice Atienza, which picks up its rhythms from the day-to-day life of Reyboy, a 12-year-old who lives in the fishing village of Karihatag in the Philippines. The “last days” of the film’s title refer to the fact that he is soon to leave his home because there is no high school there, in order to study in the city. — Atienza’s interests lie in celebrating this way of life, rather than in dwelling on the ways in which it might be threatened. Despite its positive air, however, there is also a melancholy note struck by the fact that, in order to progress, children must move away, with many, inevitably, never fully coming back. — Atienza and Reyboy are buddies, and the warmth of their friendship glows through almost every conversation they have.

Amber Wilkinson, Eye For Film

Last Days at Sea is a deeply melancholic, at times rather sad documentary about change, the end of childhood and loss. Venice Atienza tells a story defined by the moments and experiences of a young boy and the people he lives with, showing a world and a culture facing extinction which gives her feature quite an emotional impact and an intense beauty.

Rouven Linnarz, Asian Movie Pulse