The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is set to captivate audiences with an eclectic range of cinematic experiences in its Special Screening Section. This section showcases films and theater shorts from the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN) and ShoutOut Pinas 2022 by Pelikulove, as well as works by Cinemalaya alumni and filmmaker Ida Anita del Mundo.
Curated by Lorna Tee, the AFAN subsection features internationally recognized Asian short films that promise to enthrall viewers. Among the highlights are “Grandma” by Anthony Chen, a touching exploration of impending loss and acceptance that earned accolades at the Cannes Film Festival and other prestigious events. “Guest” by Yoon Ga Eun, “Kara, the Daughter of a Tree” by Edwin, “It’s Easier to Raise Cattle” by Amanda Nell Eu, and “Mountain Cat” by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir complete the lineup, each offering unique and powerful storytelling.
AFAN seeks to unite Asian film agencies with shared visions, fostering a stronger Asian film culture and reaching younger audiences, including those attending Cinemalaya, to appreciate and embrace more Asian films and filmmakers.
Meanwhile, the anthology “ShoutOut Pinas 2022” by Pelikulove paints a vivid portrait of the diverse situations faced by Filipino youth today. The anthology includes thought-provoking shorts such as “How to Make an Effective Campaign Ad,” “No Trespassing” “When A Manananggal Loves A Man,” “Libro for Ransom,” and “Quarantine 5.” Each short delves into compelling themes, tackling power, truth, love, and friendship in the face of challenges.
The Cinemalaya Special Screenings Section also features Ida Anita del Mundo’s “Never Forget,” a poignant exploration of history, memory, and identity, and “Anna, Greta, Sophie, and the Rainforest,” a touching tale of love and humanity set in a dystopian wasteland.
All the exhibition films in the Special Screenings Section will be shown during the Cinemalaya run from August 4 to 13, 2023. To learn more about this exciting event, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Stay updated by following the official CCP and Cinemalaya pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in a world of compelling storytelling and cinematic brilliance.
