The Eagle
In this film, the eagle Maya shoots is a national symbol of the Philippines; as such, the murder of this eagle is a crime. Maya deliberately shoots this eagle, which represents the intrusion of human violence into the natural world.
The Forest
Interestingly, the forest is often seen in fairy tales and folklore as representing coming-of-age and womanhood. The director utilizes these tropes to provide a backdrop for Maya's coming-of-age in this film, in which she must navigate the violent and dangerous world around her, and come to terms with her own inner violence.
The Shotgun
Maya's shotgun is a symbol of her womanhood and growth. Her father sees shooting as an essential survival skill, and teaches her to shoot so she can defend herself. However, Maya uses the gun to initiate violence herself, which has terrible consequences.
Violence
Violence is a key motif in this film and recurs frequently. The first act of violence is when Maya shoots the innocent eagle, which perhaps represents the death of her own girlhood and innocence. This act of violence then leads to more and more violence, as the authorities get involved and enact consequences for this crime.
