Cinemalaya, one of the Philippines’ most prominent independent film festivals, returns for its edition number 21 from October 3 to 12, continuing its mission to spotlight powerful and original voices in Philippine cinema. This year’s theme, “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” (Sail through Waves, Wind, and Storm), captures the resilience and creativity of Filipino filmmakers navigating uncertain times.
The festival features 10 full-length and 10 short films in competition—each one a testament to fearless storytelling and artistic vision beyond the mainstream.
In the Full-Length category, the competing titles 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 films in competition include:
ASCENSION FROM THE OFFICE CUBICLE,
FIGAT,
HASANG,
I’M BEST LEFT INSIDE MY HEAD,
KAY BASTA ANGKARABO YAY BAGAY IBAT HA LANGIT,
KUNG TUGNAW ANG KAIDALMAN SANG LAWOD,
PLEASE KEEP THIS COPY,
RADIKALS,
THE NEXT 24 HOURS, and
WATER SPORTS.
Screenings will be held at various venues including Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls, and Gateway Cineplex, expanding the festival’s reach to more audiences.
Running alongside Cinemalaya 21 is the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, Southeast Asia’s longest-running independent film competition, with entries in Short Narrative, Documentary, Animation, and Experimental.
“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.”
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