The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival awarded its top prize to Bloom Where You Are Planted, a documentary by Noni Abao that explores the lives of land rights activists in Cagayan Valley. The film won Best Film for “its powerful and deeply humane portrayal of political activists uprooted by violence yet steadfast in their pursuit of justice and belonging; for transforming the struggle for land, peace, and dignity… into a meditation on home, hope, and resilience.”
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In the Short Film category, Carl Joseph Papa’s The Next 24 Hours took home Best Film for “its hauntingly tender portrayal of trauma and survival… with profound sensitivity and compassion.”
Sari Dalena and Elian Idioma received Best Director honors. Dalena was recognized for Cinemartyrs, praised for “her bold and visionary authorship… through guerrilla filmmaking that is both mystical and political.” Idioma won for I’m Best Left Inside My Head, cited for “emotional precision and psychological depth.”
Best Screenplay went to Child No. 82 in the full-length category, written by Tim Rone Villanueva and Herlyn Alegre, for “witty and poignant writing… revealing the fragile heart of fatherhood.” In the short film category, Handiong Kapuno’s Figat was awarded for “its sheer authenticity, lyrical storytelling, and cultural depth.”
Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla won the NETPAC Award for its “powerful story about resistance, citizenship, and the search for belonging.” Hasang by Daniel De La Cruz won in the short film category for its “tender, poetic work… with deep spiritual resonance.”
Acting awards went to Jojit Lorenzo, Mylene Dizon, Nanding Josef, and Rochelle Pangilinan, all praised for emotionally rich, nuanced performances. Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan earned three of those honors.
Technical awards were presented to Bloom Where You Are Planted, Raging, Padamlágan, and Cinemartyrs. Open Endings won Best Ensemble. Special Jury Prizes went to Cinemartyrs and Objects Do Not Randomly Fall From the Sky.
Audience Choice Awards went to Child No. 82 and Ascension from the Office Cubicle.
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