MANILA — The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on Wednesday, September 3, successfully launched its 21st year with the theme "Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos "
During the press conference, the 10 full-length films and the 10 short features that are in competition this year were presented.
"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," organizers said.
Now on its 21st year, Cinemalaya will be held at the Shangri-La Plaza cinemas from October 3 to 12 in Mandaluyong City.
Here’s a rundown of the competing films:
FULL-LENGTH FILMS
1. "Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Nonilon Abao
2. "Child No. 82" by Tim Rone
3. "Cinemartyrs" by Sari Dalena
4. "Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan" by Dustin Celestino
5. "Padamlágan" (Night Light) by Jenn Romano
6. "Paglilits" by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon
7. "Open Endings" by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente
8. "Republika ng Pipolipinas" by Renei Dimla
9. "Raging" by Ryan Machado
10. "Warla" by Kevin Alambra.
SHORT FILMS
1. "Ascension from the Office Cubicle" by Hannah Silvestre
2. "Figat" by Handiong Kapuno
3. "Hasang" by Daniel de la Cruz
4. "I'm Best Left Inside My Head" by Elian Idioma
5. "Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit" by Marie Estela Paiso
6. "Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod" by Seth Andrew Blanca
7. "Please Keep This Copy" by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta
8. "Radikals" by Arvin Belarmino
9. "The Next 24 Hours" by Carl Joseph Papa
10. "Water Sports" by Whammy Alcazaren
According to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. the films that are part of the 21st edition of Cinemalaya will be shown in more venues.
The Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza is a new partner and is now the main venue. Ayala Malls will continue to be partner venue, while Gateway Cineplex will also join the list of venues for screenings.