The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival stands as a staunch advocate for the advancement of the Philippine film industry, promoting the growth of local filmmakers and fostering their innovative spirit. Each year, the festival presents a captivating array of films that redefine the boundaries of cinematic artistry, showcased within its Exhibition Films Section, while simultaneously honoring its heritage through the Digital Classics: Restored, Remastered Section.
In the current edition, the Exhibition Films Section boasts three distinctive subsections, each designed to captivate diverse audiences. The first, known as “Anima,” spotlights a selection of animated films, spanning experimental and documentary genres. This serves as a platform for creators to push the envelope of artistic expression. Among the showcased films in this category are: “Black and White Road” by Jericho Nepomuceno Maravilla, “Ang Liwanag ng Bakunawa” by Alvin Joshua A. Gasga, “Daligmata Delivers” by Minnesota S. Flores, “Lingkis” by Yvonne Elizabeth G. Salazar and Isabel Margarita P. Valenzuela, “I Wanna Be A Tutubi” by James Benedict Calleja, “Ang Mga Sisiw Sa Kagubatan” by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual, “Hazmat” by Noli Agbayani Manaig, “Somewhere I Belong” by Jyrah G. Dotarot and Shamy Rasma C. Jailani, and “Wetsitales: Aponibolinayen and the Sun” by Jade Dandan Evangelista.
“Gawad’s Best,” another facet of the festival, is dedicated to celebrating excellence and innovation in filmmaking. Comprising ten remarkable films that secured top honors at the 34th Gawad Alternatibo, these creations are divided into two engaging programs. Program 1 shines a spotlight on experimental and narrative films, showcasing exceptional works such as “Kasikas Sa Ganiha Ug Unya” by Eric Bico and Kuda Bux (1st place), “Letters to Our Little Brown Brothers” by Noli Agbayani Manaig (1st place), “Read-Only Memory” by David Corpuz and Camille Sulit (1st place), “A Sabbath on the Longest Day of the Year” by Edmund H. Telmo (1st place), and “Pagbilang Kong Tatlo” by Xzy Dumabok (2nd place).
Program 2 takes center stage with documentaries and animations that capture the imagination and provoke contemplation. Noteworthy films in this category include “Pasilong” by Toni Cañete (1st place), “River of Tears and Rage” by Marion Montajes (2nd place), “Ang Amomonggo sa Aton” by Vinjo Intuna (1st place), “I, Labyrinth” by Jag Garcia (1st place), “Black and White Road” by Jericho Cedric Nepomuceno Maravilla (2nd place), and “Maris” by John Gabriel Gantala.
The festival also dedicates a segment to “Next Gen Shorts,” an assembly of captivating short films centered around themes of memory, tradition, and potential futures. Program 1 in this category features thought-provoking works like “Ikaw at Aking Daigdig” by Andre Joachim “Aki” Red, “Espansa” by Francis Dumalig, “Karkarma” by Melver Gomez, and “Ramon’s Special” by Angelika Espejo. Meanwhile, Program 2 introduces captivating creations including “Urimos (Prayer of the Dead)” by Joseph Cartago Jr., “#bagets” by Lester Cristal, “Laki sa Tubig” by Janus Victoria, “Mary Go Round, Mary Go Round” by Vahn Pascual, and “Tawa na Lang Tayo” by Elian Idioma.
Within the realm of the Digital Classics Section, a nostalgic journey awaits as it proudly showcases the restored and remastered version of “May Minamahal,” directed by Jose Javier Reyes. This timeless film stars Aga Muchlach and Aiko Melendez, and it delves into the story of Carlitos, who finds himself at a crossroads between familial obligations and his profound love for the spirited and unconventional Monica. In partnership with ABS-CBN’s Sagip Pelikula, this section offers a glimpse into the past, aiming to ignite a renewed passion for cinema among the new generation.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Cinemalaya 19: ilumiNasyon, scheduled from August 4 to 13, 2023. This year, the festival finds its new home at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the CCP Blackbox Theater, and select Ayala Malls Cinemas. Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in a cinematic odyssey that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the rich tapestry of Philippine filmmaking.
