‘Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos’ navigates the evolving tides of Philippine cinema
‘Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos’ navigates the evolving tides of Philippine cinema
SINEGANG.ph published this press release sponsored by Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. No staff writer participated in writing this article.
Continuing the tradition of bold storytelling, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sets sail once more from October 3 to 12, propelled by the unwavering strength of the Filipino spirit amidst change and turbulent times.
Embracing the theme “Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos,” the pioneering independent film festival returns with 10 full-length and 10 short films in competition. For its 21st edition, Cinemalaya promises to serve as a vessel for top-tier visual storytelling that ignites imagination and amplifies diverse voices in cinema, anchored by the creative vision of Filipino filmmakers who dared to sail beyond the mainstream.
Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED by Nonilon Abao; CHILD NO. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva; CINEMARTYRS by Sari Dalena; HABANG NILALAMON NG HYDRA ANG KASAYSAYAN by Dustin Celestino; PADAMLÁGAN by Jenn Romano; PAGLILITIS by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon; OPEN ENDINGS by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente; REPUBLIKA NG PIPOLIPINAS by Renei Dimla; RAGING by Ryan Machado; and WARLA by Kevin Alambra.
Short Feature films in competition include: ASCENSION FROM THE OFFICE CUBICLE by Hannah Silvestre; FIGAT by Handiong Kapuno; HASANG by Daniel de la Cruz; I’M BEST LEFT INSIDE MY HEAD by Elian Idioma; KAY BASTA ANGKARABO YAY BAGAY IBAT HA LANGIT by Marie Estela Paiso; KUNG TUGNAW ANG KAIDALMAN SANG LAWOD by Seth Andrew Blanca; PLEASE KEEP THIS COPY by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta; RADIKALS by Arvin Belarmino; THE NEXT 24 HOURS by Carl Joseph Papa; and WATER SPORTS by Whammy Alcazaren.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. proudly bring this cinematic feast to even more venues this year, with Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza as a new partner and a main venue. Ayala Malls, a valued partner of the CCP and Cinemalaya for over two decades, continues to be a partner venue for Cinemalaya 21. Gateway Cineplex also joins the list of venues for screenings, paving the way for more avid cinema goers to experience the best of Filipino independent filmmaking.
Running concurrently is the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in Southeast Asia. Films compete in categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation.
Now in its 21st year of unfettered exploration of truthful storytelling and imagery, Cinemalaya continues its voyage to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.
Since 2005, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full-feature independent films and short films, many of which have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.
For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages and other social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
