The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival embarks on its 20th year from August 2 to 11, showcasing the rich imagination, imagery, and creativity of Filipino filmmakers.
Under the theme “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas,” this milestone festival will present 10 full-length and 10 short films in competition. Cinemalaya’s 20th edition promises exceptional visual storytelling and diverse voices in cinema.
In the Full-Length Category, competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy are: ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos, AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta, TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, BALOTA by Kip Oebanda, GULAY LANG MANONG (NO MORE THAN VEGGIES) by BC Amparado, KANTIL (TRENCH) by Joshua Caesar Medroso, KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II, LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla, THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio, and THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued.
Short films in competition include: ABOGBAYBAY by P.R. Monencillo Patindol, ALL THIS WASTED SPACE by Cris Bringas, AMBOT WALA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE INI by Rey Anthony Villaverde, CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE by Sam Manasca, I WAS WALKING ON THE STREETS OF CHINATOWN by Ryan Capili, MAMA by Alexandra Brizuela, MARIPOSA by Melanie Faye Tampos, PAMALANDONG SA DANOW (REFLECTION IN THE MARSH) by Breech Asher Harani, PRIMETIME MOTHER by Sonny Calvento, and THE RED TRAILS (AN BAGA SA DALAN) by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Roniño Dolim.
Due to ongoing renovations at the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. are holding the festival at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, a steadfast supporter of both CCP and Cinemalaya.
The festival will feature screenings at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10, providing a platform for independent filmmakers to present their stories and perspectives. Highlights include:
- Retrospective: A selection of past Cinemalaya winning films
- Best of the Festivals: Top films from local festivals
- Visions of Asia: Award-winning Asian and NETPAC films
- Premieres: Films making their debut screenings
- Dokyu: Award-winning documentaries
- Digital Classics: Restored Filipino classic films
Additionally, the 36th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video will run concurrently, showcasing films in categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation. Screenings for this competition will be held from August 3-6, with the awards ceremony on August 10 at Cinema 2.
Cinemalaya, since its inception in 2005, has been instrumental in supporting and promoting Filipino independent films. Over the years, it has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers, including feature films, shorts, documentaries, and classic Filipino cinema.
For more details, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.
