Cinemalaya, the country’s premier independent film festival, continues to highlight Filipino creativity with a series of book launches set for October 8, 9, and 11 at Red Carpet Cinema 2, Shangri-La Plaza.
Now on its 21st year, Cinemalaya expands its focus beyond the screen, presenting works that explore the relationship between cinema, literature, and national identity.
Among the featured titles is Manong: The Life and Works of Gerardo de Leon by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson. The book is described as “the first and only comprehensive study” of the National Artist for Film. It covers the director’s personal and artistic background and includes analyses of over 80 of his films, spanning several decades and major production studios from 1938 to 1976.
Related posts:
Also launching are two works by National Artist Ricky Lee. Agaw-Tingin (Stolen Glances) is a nonfiction anthology of essays previously published in media outlets like Metro Magazine, Mr. & Ms., and National Midweek. The collection presents “the Filipino filmmaker as an observer, an artist who wants his readers to pay attention to the often-overlooked mundane.”
Lee’s second title, Pinilakang Tabing (Silver Screen), is a novel exploring how Philippine cinema shapes the lives of its characters over 40 years. In an excerpt shared online, the character Journey imagines framing Nora Aunor with his bare hands before being gunned down. The scene ends with the line, “…pinatay ako ng pelikula.”
The festival will also launch Letters from the Future: 35 Years of the Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, published by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Edited by Adjani G. Arumpac and her team, the book features reflections from filmmakers who have shaped the country’s alternative cinema movement.
All book events are open to the public and aim to deepen the conversation around Philippine cinema and its evolving role in society.
The Cinemalaya Film Festival runs from October 3 to 12 in select cinemas across Metro Manila.
Stay locked in to PalabasTayo.com for your daily dose of film, TV, music, art, fashion, food, and all things lifestyle and entertainment like this one. You may also follow and subscribe to our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kumu.
