From ‘Free Philippines’ to ‘Free Voices’: Oroquieta Film Festival Marks 5th Run
From ‘Free Philippines’ to ‘Free Voices’: Oroquieta Film Festival Marks 5th Run
Festival Director Rab Centino Borbon gave the opening remarks to start the festival | Photo by Bea Allado
On the land that was once the capital of the Free Philippines, the city of good life stands firm to continue with the fifth edition of Oroquieta Film Festival, taking a new wave this coming August 21 to 23, 2025, in Oroquieta City at the Habitacion Hotel and Resto & DepotVille.
After a three-year hiatus, the festival returns to provide a platform for emerging regional filmmakers, aiming to bring local stories from Misamis Occidental and neighboring provinces to national and international audiences.
Festival Director Rab Centino Borbon said this year’s edition ensures that voices from Oroquieta and Ozamiz are heard, strengthening the city’s contribution to the growing regional cinema movement.
The program features categories such as Lumayagan, named after the purple-back squid abundant in Oroquieta’s bays and part of the city’s cultural identity, and Habagatan, which highlights works from the southern regions.
By centering narratives on pressing social issues, the rich culture of Misamis Occidental, Mindanao, and Visayas, and the power of transformative media education, the festival seeks to unite regional voices and build a stronger sense of community.
Oroqueta Film Festival Lineup
The Oroquieta film festival consists of 24 films, including Kantil, Budots: The Craze, and Pinikas. Selected works by directors Wowa Medroso, Jay Rosas and Mark Lambatan, and Cris Fuego was featured in Oroquieta Film Festival
Lumayagan Shorts
ANG KABUG ATON ATON SA NANGABILIN by Ma. Katrina Rustia & Herald Christian Guillena
PRINCE OF TIDES by Giomer Gulferic & Aveguel "El" Sinangote
LAWOD by Bea Allado
WHEN THE SUN SETS OVER DAVAO by Adrian Lo
LILA, LINGKUD SA by Ethan David S. Gipanao
LARSIAN? by John Sy
INTEROGASYON by Leonel Quillo
WALK WITH JESUS by Redh Honoridez
HULAGWAY OG PAGSAGMUYO by Joel Leonardo Amacna
HOLI SH*T by Kez Fuentes and Marion Ybanez
Habagatan Shorts
TEXT FIND DAD AND SEND TO 2366 by Kent Michael Cadungog
ANG HALIKAN SA WATER FOUNTAIN by Clyde Cuizon Gamale
SA ILALUM SA BALBAL SA ALITAPTAP by Juvy Ann Clarito
PAROPARO by Jhonny Bobier
ASA ANG MGA SALIDA SA LEYTE? by Linus Masandag and Lebron Ponce
G! by Jose Andy Sales
THE NIGHT IS DRUNK WHEN WE SUFFER by Rian Simon Magtaan
DAOG/PILDI by Johannes Tejero
WHAT THE FLOWERS DON’T BLOOM by Rafael Christian Soquiña
WE’LL BE OKAY by Hermes John Condinato
TAGA-TAGA by Trini Archie V. Garcia
ANG PAMILYA MAGUOL by Jermaine Tulbo
AMBOT WA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE ANI by Rey Anthony Villaverde
The short films debuted as part of the Lumayagan and Habagatan program on August 21 at the Habitacion Hotel, with an awarding ceremony held on August 22 at Depotville.
OPENING FILM
KANTIL by Wowa Medroso
CLOSING FILMS
BUDOTS: THE CRAZE by Jay Rosas and Mark Limbaga
PINIKAS by Cris Fuego
THE JURY
Photo from the Oroquita Film Festival Page
The festival jury was composed of Teng Mangansakan, an award-winning filmmaker and producer recognized for his works in Mindanaoan identity (Forbidden Memoyr, Salome); Jay Rosas, a film critic and programmer who champions independent and regional cinema (Budots); and Wowa Medroso, a filmmaker and festival organizer focusing on community stories (Kantil, Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-Snow sa Pinas)
ACTIVITIES
OFF-Talks speakers sharing knowledge during the second day of the festival | Photo by Oroquita Film Festival
The Oroquieta Film Festival also offers free talks and a pop-up screening designed to support emerging filmmakers and film enthusiasts in Mindanao:
OFF TALKS - Topics such as the Present and Future of Mindanao Cinema, Directing, Funding Your Own Films, and Opportunities for Mindanao Filmmakers in the Philippine Film Industry.
POP-UP SCREENING - Extended screening of Habagatan and Lumayagan Shorts Winners
WINNERS
Gratitude video of directors Ma. Katrina Rustia & Herald Christian Guillena, who won the Lumayagan short film award | Photo by Bea Allado
The festival concluded with the announcement of its winning films: Ang Halikan sa Waterfountain, directed by Clyde Gamale, received the Habagatan Short Award, Ang Kabug Aton Sa Mga Nabilin, directed by Ma. Katrina Rustia & Herald Christian Guillena won the Lumayagan Short Award, and the Jury Special Award was given to Ambot Wa Ko Kabalo Unsay I-Title Ani directed by Rey Anthony Villaverde.
The three core organizers of the Oroquieta Film Festival | Photo by Bea Allado
The Oroquieta Film Festival marks a milestone for Misamis Occidental’s regional cinema, bringing the screen closer to the community. By gathering regional filmmakers and empowering local voices, the festival moves forward for an inclusive film movement in the province.
Festival organizers vowed to sustain the festival, envisioning a future where it can showcase up to 70 films, serving as a record of the city’s stories and struggles, so that even the voices of a small city can make an impact in Philippine cinema.
SINEGANG.ph is an official media partner of the Oroquieta Film Festival.
