The much-anticipated Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2023 kicks off with a dark comedy-thriller film that takes inspiration from a true story of the perils of online dating, a viral phenomenon on Twitter. For the first time, the festival opens at the prestigious Philippine International Convention Center on August 4, 2023, at 7 pm.
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Quark Henares, “Marupok AF (Where Is The Lie)” revolves around Janzen Torres, a hopeless romantic who believes in finding love through a dating app. Her luck seemingly changes when she matches with the charming and seemingly perfect Theo Balmaceda. However, their meet-up takes an unexpected turn as Theo disappears, leaving Janzen entangled in a complex web of deception, lies, and catfishing orchestrated by the sociopathic mastermind Beanie Landridos. The gripping 89-minute film features talented actors EJ Jallorina, Royce Cabrera, and Maris Racal.
Quark Henares boasts a decorated career in the film industry, having written and directed acclaimed feature films like “My Candidate,” “Rakenrol” and “Keka,” earning praises from critics and audiences alike. He has also made significant contributions to television, music videos, and other artistic pursuits. Currently, as the Head of Originals, Philippines, for Amazon Studios, he continues to make waves in the industry.
Cinemalaya, since its inception in 2005, has been a vital platform for supporting and promoting Filipino full-feature independent films and shorts. Many of these works have garnered recognition and awards both locally and internationally, solidifying Cinemalaya’s reputation as a hub for independent filmmaking in the Philippines. Over the years, the festival has showcased over 1,000 works, ranging from full-feature films, documentaries, Filipino film classics, to art films, representing the diverse and vibrant talent of independent filmmakers.
This year’s Cinemalaya will run from August 4 to 13 at various venues, including the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater), and selected Ayala Malls Cinemas.
For more information on the festival, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Stay updated by following the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages, as well as other social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. Prepare to immerse yourself in a captivating array of independent films and witness the creative brilliance of Filipino filmmakers.
