Presenting cinematic experiences that resonate with the heartbeat of Filipino realities, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival takes place each August as a testament to the nation's cinematic accomplishments. Organized by the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc., this annual film festival serves as a spotlight for illuminating the world of Filipino independent cinema. With a commitment to nurturing, equipping, and acknowledging the remarkable talents of our local filmmakers, the festival takes pride in its role as a trailblazer in cultivating politically and socially awakening narratives. 

 

This year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

 

Continuing with the motif of giving platforms for awakening projects, this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival’s theme is “IlumiNasyon,” reflecting the festival’s aim of illuminating the nation through its lineup of films. 

 

Held over a 10-day run from August 4 to 13, 2023, the Cinemalaya Film Festival brings its festivities to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). 

 

Cinemalaya 2023: Celebrating the Best of Philippine Movie Mastery 

 

Recognized at the Cinemalaya 2023 Awards Night held at the Philippine International Convention Center on Sunday, August 13, 2023, were outstanding directors, actors, and creators. 

1. Best Film

 

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The team accepts the best film award for “Iti Mapukpukaw”.

 

Bagging the big win of the night, “Iti Mapukpukaw” was recognized as this year’s best film.

 

In his speech, director Carl Joseph E. Papa of “Iti Mapukpukaw” dedicated the award to people who can relate to the film’s main character, Eric, as well as the 90 animators who helped make their film possible. The film is the first animated movie to win the award for best film at Cinemalaya.

 

2. Sibuyas ni Perfecto

 

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Director Januar Yap accepting the award for “Sibuyas ni Perfecto".

 

“SIbuyas ni Perfecto” by Januar Yap was awarded Cinemlaya’s best short film this year. It follows the story of Perfecto and the people he meets along the way in his delivery of spices and vegetables.

 

3. Pat Tingjuy

 

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Pat Tingjuy accepts her best actress award.

 

Pat Tingjuy from the film “Rookie” was this year’s best actress. Rookie follows the issues of gender inequality and the objectification that women undergo in sports.

 

4. Mikoy Morales

 

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Mikoy Morales as the best actor.

 

For the best actor award, Mikoy Morales from “Tether” gave a performance that deserved recognition. “Tether” is a film that deals with abuse, self-harm, suicide, and what people are capable of when handed the lifeline of another person.

 

5. Bon Andrew Lentejas

 

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Bon Andrew Lentejas accepts his award for best supporting actor.

 

For his performance in “Ang Huling Palabas,” Bon Andrew Lentejas emerged as this year’s best supporting actor. Set in 2001, the film explores the dying moments of VHS. It’s a coming-of-age story dealing with larger-than-life characters on their journey toward self-discovery.

 

6. Dolly De Leon

 

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Dolly de Leon is this year’s best supporting actress

 

Dolly de Leon (Iti Mapukpukaw) as the festival’s best supporting actress. De Leon, who is a 2023 Golden Globe Awards nominee for her performance in Triangle of Sadness (2022), said in her speech, “Grabe, first time kong makatanggap at magsalita [para sa] award dito sa Pilipinas. Ang sarap pala sa feeling!”

 

(Goodness, it’s my first time to receive and do a speech for an award here in the Philippines. It’s a good feeling!”

 

Here’s the full list of winners at this year’s Cinemalaya XIX:

 

Full-Length Film Competition

 

• Audience Choice - Rookie (Samantha Lee) 
• Best Sound Design - Tether (Gian Arre) 
• Best Original Musical Score - Kindred (When This is All Over) 
• Best Production Design - Kaye Banaag (When This is All Over) 
• Best Editing - Ilsa Malsi (Rookie) 
• Best Cinematography - Martika Ramirez Escobar (When This is All Over) 
• Best Screenplay - Jopy Arnaldo (Gitling) 
• Best Supporting Actor - Bon Andrew Lentejas (Ang Huling Palabas)
• Best Supporting Actress - Dolly de Leon (Iti Mapukpukaw) 
• NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award - Iti Mapukpukaw (Carl Joseph Papa) 
• Best Actor - Mikoy Morales (Tether) 
• Best Actress - Pat Tingjuy (Rookie) 
• Best Ensemble (Special Jury Award) - Duyan ng Magiting (Dustin Celestino) 
• Best Director - Ryan Pachado (Ang Huling Palabas) 
• Best Film - Iti Mapukpukaw (Carl Joseph Papa) 

 

Short Film Category

 

• Audience Choice - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino) 
• Best Screenplay - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero) 
• NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino) 
• Special Jury Award (Short film) - Hm Hm Mhm (Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan) 
• Best Director - Makoko Sa Baybay (Mike Cabarles) 
• Best Film - Sibuyas ni Perfecto (Januar Yap) 

 

Celebrating Local Cinema: The Significance of Backing Films and Festivals

 

In a world where stories hold the power to transform minds and ignite change, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival stands as a beacon of societal awakening. This year's festival once again showcased the undeniable talent of Filipino filmmakers, whose narratives resonated with the essence of our culture. 

 

Supporting local films and film festivals is not merely an act of entertainment, but a show of support for the voices that illuminate the hidden corners of Filipino society. These creators, armed with their stories, pave the way for political and social discussions that demand attention.

 

In extending our support, we empower filmmakers to wield their craft as a tool for change—a mirror that reflects the inner truths and realities of our society. It’s a reminder that cinema has the power to awaken our hearts and minds, bridging the gaps between generations, and creating a society that listens, learns, and evolves.