Philippines’ Cinemalaya Celebrates 15 Years of Independent Cinema3 min read

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Fresh from winning the Nikkei Prize for Culture and Community, the Cinemalaya Foundation, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), celebrates 15 years of introducing the best independent cinematic works to the Filipino and international film communities on August 2 to 11, 2019, at various venues of the CCP.

The 15th edition of the country’s biggest independent film festival goes nationwide, as the festival will be simultaneously screened on August 7 to 13 at selected Ayala Cinemas and Vista Malls in Manila, Pampanga, Naga, and Legaspi in Bicol, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Davao.

Ten full-length films and ten short feature films take the spotlight. The 10 full-length films in competition are:

• ANi (The Harvest), directed By Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario
• Belle Douleur (Beautiful Pain), directed by Joji V. Alonzo
• Children of the River, directed by Maricel Cabrera–Cariaga
• Edward, directed by Thop Nazareno
• Fuccbois, directed by Eduardo Roy Jr
• Iska, directed by Theodore Boborol
• John Denver Trending, directed by Arden Rod Condez
• Malamaya (The Color of Ash), directed by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez
• Pandanggo Sa Hukay, directed by Sheryl Rose M. Andes
• Tabon, directed by Xian Lim.

For the short feature main competition, the finalists are:

• Disconnection Notice, directed by Glenn Lowell Forneste Averia
• Gatilyo (Trigger), directed by Harold Lance Pialdal
• Heist School, directed by Julius Renomeron Jr. Jr
• Hele ng Maharlika (Lullaby of the Free), directed by  Norvin De Los Santos
• Kontrolado Ni Girly Ang Buhay N’ya (Girly Is In Control of His Life) directed by Gilb Baldoza
• Sa Among Agwat (In Between Spaces), directed by Don Senoc
• Sa Gabing Tanging Liwanag Ay Paniniwala (Belief As The Light In Darkness), directed by  Francis Guillermo
• Tembong (Connecting), directed by Shaira Advincula
• The Shoemaker, directed by Sheron Dayoc
• ‘Wag Mo ‘Kong Kausapin (Please Stop Talking), directed by  Josef Gacutan.

Film enthusiasts can also look forward to the exhibition films in the festival’s mainstays: Dokyu, the documentary section; Best of the Festivals, which showcases the best films from local festivals; Indie Nation, a special section featuring independent films; and Visions of Asia, featuring award-winning Asian and Netpac films.

In the 2019 edition, Cinemalaya brings back the Premiere section, where newly-made films will make their screen debut. Another section, the Retrospective section, will feature not only the 2018 Cinemalaya Best Film, Audience Choice, and Special Jury Prize winners, but also the best films of Cinemalaya since its inception in 2005.

Cinemalaya is also partnering with microcinemas in Metro Manila and in the regions for “Kinse sa Sandaan: Cinemalaya Wave at the Microcinemas.”

The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of Cinemalaya, expands its reach to the regions. The Regional Cinemalaya Campus kicks off a one-minute filmmaking competition for students. Dubbed Short Shorts Competition, it aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of young Filipino talents from Bicol, Western Visayas and Davao City. The top 10 Shorts Shorts finalists will be screened in Legazpi, Naga, Bacolod, Iloilo and Davao City.

The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on August 11, 2019, at 7pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Learn more about Cinemalaya on their website, their Facebook page, and on the official CCP website.

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About Cinemalaya:

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has continued 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.

To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films. Many of these films 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.