COVERAGE
Fourteen incredible films, a two-day writing masterclass, and a Directors and Writers Roundtable—EnlighTEN: The IdeaFirst Film Festival has it all!
FILM AND TV FEATURES
Kuro-kuro's CINEKURO presents four short films with one eye on engaging storytelling and another on the filmmakers’ advocacies, maintaining a confidence in their vision that their stories will resonate.
Munich can only wallow in its self-pity in its judgment of the Israeli-Palestinian “conflict”, bewildered by the cycle of violence. “There is no peace at the end of this”, concludes Avner. Spielberg and Kushner treat the conflict as if it is a natural state of things. As if there is no solution. Any student of history should know the culpability of imperial Western forces in perpetuating this cycle.
The first edition of Eksena! celebrated queer work, queer presence, and queer love, spanning the past 40 years of Filipino queer cinema.
'Last Shift' follows two call center agents as they are faced with a crucial decision that could spell the end of their relationship and future together. Read our interview with writer-director Ronjay Mendiola about his short film.
It’s the Great Negrense Bake Off: In 'Under a Piaya Moon', a young baker enters a pastry making competition to continue the legacy of his family's bakery.
Lisa Frankenstein, written by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams is a camp and gothy coming of rage story for all the teenage outcasts and outcasts at heart that blends the macabre and mundane.
With the Oscars just right around the corner, staff at SINEGANG.ph has cast their own ballots as to who they think will win and are most deserving of the Oscar trophy.
In honor of Women's Month, I find myself reflecting back on 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire,' its impact on the exposure of male gaze, the need for feminine empowerment, and my deepened love to the enduring grace of how inspiring it is to be a woman—a sister, a mother.
The inaugural edition of the Sinalang Film Festival celebrates Philippine cinema in unconventional and innovative ways, encouraging an active and participatory viewership.
FILM REVIEWS
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire feels bloated and struggles to find the balance of showcasing the new characters aside from the main group of the Spengler family.
Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B’s sensual romance offers something fresh, leaning towards the flesh as a representation of intimacy and longing in the form of people masquerading as lonely creatures of the night.
The dialogue-heavy, one-take film, ‘Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan,’ is a marvel of calculated narrative and technical claustrophobia that will leave you gasping for breath with each frame and grab you by the neck with its unexpected twists and turns.
'Sleepless’ boldly defies the conventional Filipino rom-com formula, offering an intimate look at an enduring love not confined in romance...and opportunistic profit machines.
In Jun Lana’s struggle to make sense of past political conditions, Your Mother’s Son becomes his definitive bomba film: mired deeply in sex, and politically dense in its delirious and lustful desires.
‘Road House’ is too ecstatic to show us the intense high-octane action set pieces that it forgets to let the characters grow.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ is a watch to pass time. Neither does it contribute much to the franchise nor does it have what we loved most about the first two movies, but it does give us a new soundtrack worth listening to.
For a more Filipino semblance, White Bird: A Wonder Story captures this grandmother-grandchild dynamic of telling wondrous stories with lessons in the vein of “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.” Apart from the film’s setting, there isn’t that much to go further deep into things, as the film exists as an idealistic reminder of kindness conquering all.
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ knows exactly what it wants to be: a maximalist monster affair that puts its biggest stars (literally) front and center of a vibrant and epic kaijū fisticuffs.
TV REVIEWS
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is a cinematic retelling of the original animated series that finally gives justice to the story that audiences grew up with. Now streaming on Netflix.
This television adaptation of Mr. and Mrs. Smith took the 2005 movie’s basic premise and elevated it to new and bold heights, creating an espionage-filled universe that is intriguing and compelling.
Sleep with Me not only strikes the perfect chord but also boldly advances the portrayal of LGBTQ+ narratives in the local media with grace and authenticity. Seriously, watching this feels like receiving a cozy and warm cuddle during nighttime!
At its core, the series depicts the struggle for retribution and justice waged by the working class against the powerful—an inherently relevant concept that strikes a chord in our current socio-political climate—and the finale accomplishes this in a satisfying fashion.
This show provides a breath of fresh air in our local television landscape by incorporating three elements or genres that are rarely seen on our local screen: mockumentary, behind-the-scenes filmmaking drama, and historical content.
YouTube Channel
NEWS
PRESS RELEASES
Maris Racal Tackles Teenage Pregnancy in Antoinette Jadaone’s Thought-Provoking “Sunshine”
Fourteen incredible films, two writing masterclasses, and a Directors and Writers Roundtable—EnlighTEN: The IdeaFirst Film Festival has it all!
As the first film festival of its sort in the Philippines, Sinalang seeks to question the notion of cinematic spaces by fusing performance art with film.
Yesterday, Searchlight Pictures' latest dark comedy, Poor Things returns to Philippine cinemas with a nationwide release and promises to be an amazing Valentine's Day celebration
Attention to all film enthusiasts! Mark your calendars because Iranian cinema is coming to the Philippines with the first-ever Iranian Film Festival (IFF 2024) in the Philippines this February 6-9. Showcasing Iranian films for FREE.
Ozu and anime fans rejoice as ‘Tokyo Story’ and ‘The First Slam Dunk’ are among the films slated to be shown for FREE at the Japanese Film Festival happening this February 1 to March 3 in Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao!
Free screenings alert! The Spring Film Festival is back for the 18th time featuring cinematic gems like ‘The Captain’ and ‘Legend of the Demon Cat.’ Catch them on January 23-30 only at Shangri-La Plaza!
Bonjour mes amis! The party’s just getting started with this year’s French Film Festival making blue, red, and white waves to the Philippines. This year, they’ve partnered with SM Cinemas to bring contemporary and classic French movies to the country.
QCinema is coming back, more intense than ever, on its tenth anniversary with a lineup that is sure to make movie lovers happy to be alive this festive season.
LISTS FEATURES
Through the years, there have been several Filipino films submitted for Best International Feature Film, then known as Best Foreign Language Film, at the Academy Awards. Here are some of the films you might want to check out.
Stories ranging from one time encounters to end of relationships, these are guaranteed heartbreakers and will sure make your heart yearn even more.
Animation matters. What's equally significant is the proof that Filipinos are more than capable of showcasing their power. Iti Mapukpukaw is a testament to that fact. As its Netflix debut nears, here's a list of Filipino animated shorts to propel your thrill.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all film lovers out there! Whether you're cuddling up with your significant other or spending some quality me-time, here are the curated films for this month of love from the staff of SINEGANG.ph to you.
From the profound humanism of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster to the uncanny campiness of Todd Haynes’ May December, here are the best films of 2023, according to our SINEGANG writers.
If you’re looking to expand your taste and knowledge when it comes to this particular region of local cinema, then look no further, for we have compiled a list of some Cebuano feature films that are currently available to stream for free on any local streaming platforms.
In anticipation of the Philippines’ first film to come out on Prime Video, we’ve got ten facts and notes to share about Jun Lana’s Ten Little Mistresses!
If you’re looking for some well-acclaimed films from 2021, but went unrecognized by mainstream audiences, then look no further to this list of 10 hidden cinematic gems that didn’t get enough love or attention they truly deserve.
Exploring the contemporary Central Asian cinema and its perplexing amalgamation of rich cultures and ideas that best represents their film industry and where they are now.