Following the success of Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. are raising the artistic bar even higher with the announcement of the 10 new full-length finalists for Cinemalaya 2025, the country’s premier independent film festival.
In its 21st edition, Cinemalaya will continue its mission to foster and support the production of innovative Filipino independent films that offer bold interpretations and fresh perspectives on the Filipino experience. The festival aims to showcase narratives that reflect the dynamic evolution of Filipino cinema with artistic integrity.
The 2025 finalists, selected from 20 semi-finalists, are currently participating in the Cinemalaya Film Lab. This three-month mentorship program equips them with essential skills in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, performance, editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and promotional strategies.
The 10 finalists in the Cinemalaya Main Competition (Full-Length Category) are:
ABANSE by Chad Vidanes
On the eve of local elections, a single mother takes her son to a campaign rally to reclaim his lost scholarship, only to face an unforeseen disaster amidst the crowd.
BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED by Noni Abao
Three land rights activists confront their shifting notions of home amid threats and red-tagging in Cagayan Valley.
CHILD NO. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva
At the wake of a famous Philippine action-fantasy star, a determined 16-year-old student must prove he is the 82nd child of the deceased.
CINEMARTYRS by Sari Dalena
A young filmmaker set on recreating forgotten massacres from Philippine history awakens vengeful spirits at a massacre site, endangering her crew and local villagers.
HABANG NILALAMON NG HYDRA ANG KASAYSAYAN by Dustin Celestino
Four Filipinos struggle with their existence and search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent and absurd world, in this existentialist drama.
OPEN ENDINGS by Nigel Santos and Keavy Eunice Vicente
The friendship of four queer women, exes turned best friends, is tested when one of them makes a life-changing decision.
PADAMLÁGAN by Jenn Romano
Just before Martial Law is declared, a father grapples with his worst fear—the loss of his son in a bridge collapse in Naga, a tragedy that evokes the darkness of the past.
PAGLILITIS by Raymund Barcelon and Cheska Marfori
Years after enduring workplace sexual harassment, a former executive assistant is convinced by a passionate lawyer to sue her wealthy and esteemed boss.
REPUBLIKA NG PIPOLIPINAS by Reneí Dimla
Facing eviction from her land by the local government, a farmer renounces her Filipino citizenship and establishes her own micronation.
WARLA by Kevin Alambra and Arah Badayos
A gang of transgender women kidnaps foreign men to fund their gender-affirming surgeries, unaware that their quest for self-identity might lead them to prison.
