Calling all the Filipino cinephiles! Cinemalaya has just unveiled its highly anticipated list of full-length film and short film finalists for 2023. This year’s selection promises an exciting lineup of talented filmmakers from various regions of the Philippines, offering a refreshing perspective on the Filipino experience.
Get ready to be enthralled by the creativity and talent of these outstanding Filipino filmmakers. Here are the ten finalists for the full-length film category:
Full-length Film Finalists:
- Maria by Sheryl Rose Andes
- Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo
- Tether by Gian Arre
- Ang Duyan ng Magiting by Dustin Celestino
- Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer) by Kenneth De La Cruz
- Rookie by Samantha Lee & Aya Fernandez
- Huling Palabas by Ryan Machado
- When This is All Over by Kevin Mikhail Mayuga
- Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing) by Carl Joseph Papa
- As If It’s True by John Rogers
And here are the ten competing short film finalists in Cinemalaya 2023:
Short Film Finalists:
- Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-snow Sa Pinas by Joshua Caesar Medroso
- HM HM MHM by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan
- Golden Bells by Kurt Soberano
- Hinakdal by Arvin Belarmino
- Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019 by Diokko Manuel Dionisio
- Ang Kining Binalaybay kag Ambahanon ko para sa IMO by Kent John Desamparado
- Maudi Nga Arapaap (Last Dream) by Daniel James Magayon
- Makoko Sa Baybay by Mike Cabarles
- Sibuyas Ni Perfecto (Perfecto’s Onion) by Januar Yap
- Sota by Mae Tanagon
The Cinemalaya Film Festival, now in its 19th year, aims to develop and support the production of cinematic works by Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. It is a platform that discovers, encourages, supports, trains, and recognizes gifted Filipino independent filmmakers while promoting Filipino indie films both locally and internationally.
One remarkable aspect of this year’s finalists is their geographical diversity. They come from different regions of the Philippines, ranging from the mountain ranges of Luzon to the enchanting Visayas and Mindanao. This inclusivity ensures a more accurate representation of the Philippines and sheds light on the struggles faced by Filipinos beyond Manila.
As acclaimed director Joey Reyes aptly stated, “Manila is not the only Philippines.” In previous years, the spotlight was often centered on Manila-based filmmakers, but now Cinemalaya embraces the richness and diversity of voices from all corners of the country.
This year’s batch of filmmakers is hailed as the future of Filipino cinema. They represent a new generation of talent who have undergone the Cinemalaya Film Lab, a three-month-long film-laboratory mentorship program. This initiative provides aspiring filmmakers with guidance, training, and the opportunity to develop their artistic visions. The Cinemalaya Film Lab nurtures these emerging talents, ensuring that the future of Filipino cinema remains bright and innovative.
Due to renovations at its annual venue, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the festival will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from August 4 to 13. As the 19th edition of the festival, Cinemalaya 2023 promises to be a remarkable showcase of Filipino independent cinema. It will be a celebration of diverse narratives, fresh perspectives, and artistic excellence.
Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Cinemalaya 2023. This is an opportunity to witness the growth and evolution of Filipino cinema while supporting talented filmmakers who are pushing boundaries and telling stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that celebrates the vibrancy and creativity of Filipino independent cinema.
