Content Editor
August 01, 2023

After successfully overcoming the hurdles of the past few years, Cinemalaya returns with its traditional lineup featuring 10 competing films in the full-length category and another 10 in the shorts categories. The festival's 19th edition embraces the theme "IlumiNasyon," symbolizing the pursuit of enlightenment.

 

For the latest Cinemalaya Film Festival, here is all the essential information to keep in mind.

 

What is Cinemalaya?

 

Cinemalaya is a revered annual Philippine independent film festival established in 2005 by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation. It provides an essential platform for emerging and established Filipino filmmakers to showcase their artistic visions, experiment with storytelling styles, and address relevant social issues. The festival's emphasis on independent cinema has reinvigorated the local film industry, encouraging filmmakers to explore diverse themes and genres, while also nurturing a new generation of talent.

 

Image from Cinemalaya (Facebook)

 

Beyond its screenings, Cinemalaya hosts workshops, forums, and events that engage audiences and filmmakers alike, fostering a vibrant community of cinephiles and industry professionals. Its enduring impact resonates beyond the festival, influencing the direction of Philippine cinema and promoting a culture of artistic excellence. Year after year, audiences eagerly await Cinemalaya, anticipating the discovery of captivating narratives and fresh cinematic voices that continue to solidify its status as a beacon of creativity and freedom in Philippine filmmaking.

 

CINEMALAYA 2023 Showcase: Explore the Complete List of Films

 

We understand your excitement in watching the films from emerging Filipino directors. To facilitate your anticipation, we have compiled all the competing films in this article for your easy reference.

 

Ang Duyan ng Magiting

 

This film is directed and written by Dustin Celestino and boasts a talented ensemble, including Dolly De Leon, Bituin Escalante, Agot Isidro, Miggy Jimenez, Jojit Lorenzo, Frances Maiklo-Ignacio, Paolo O'Hara, Joel Saracho, and Dylan Ray Talon.

 

 

Set within a captivating anthology, the movie intricately weaves together the lives of various individuals as they confront the intricacies of life and violence in the Philippines. Among the cast of characters are a college professor, a university chancellor, a social worker, a police chief, two students, two mothers, and a lawyer. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into their roles as protagonists, antagonists, and victims against the backdrop of war, terrorism, and political unrest in the nation.

 

As If It's True

 

Titled "As If It's True," this film is both directed and written by John Rogers, with a talented cast featuring Khalil Ramos, Ashley Ortega, Adrianna So, John Silverio, Angellie Sanoy, Rachel Coates, and Marnie Lapus.

 

 

In this intriguing story, a fading social media influencer and a struggling musician find themselves entangled in a mutually exploitative, not-so-fake relationship.

 

Bulawan Nga Usa

 

Bulawan Nga Usa is helmed and written by Kenneth De La Cruz, featuring a talented cast including Ron Matthews Espinosa, John Niel Paguntalan, CJ Pagayon, Filemon Capanang, Babbeth Fuentes Vargas, Tara Rose Molina, GC Castro, Lolita Madrid, Krystoffer Ays Grabato, and Sharon Idione.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the passing of his cherished grandfather, Makoy embarks on an emotionally charged expedition to a mystical mountain in pursuit of the fabled golden deer, said to possess wish-granting powers. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he forms a bond with a spirited young mountain boy, leading them both on a quest for the mythical creature and self-discovery.

 

Gitling 

 

Gitling, directed and written by Jopy Arnaldo, features a talented cast including Gabby Padilla, Ken Yamamura, and Emmanuel Dela Cruz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this compelling tale, a young Filipina translator and a middle-aged Japanese director find themselves pushing the boundaries of language, uncovering the profound essence of comprehension during unexpected circumstances. Together, they strive to create subtitles for his film in the local Filipino language of Hiligaynon, racing against time to finish before the film's anticipated festival premiere in the city of Bacolod. Along their journey, they embark on a poignant exploration of language, culture, and the beauty of mutual understanding.

 

Huling Palabas

 

Huling Palabas, directed and written by Ryan Machado, features Shun Mark Gomez, Bon Andrew Lentejas, Jay Gonzaga, Serene Magiliw, Senanda Gomez, and Cedrick Juan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set in the summer of 2001, the film follows 16-year-old Andoy as he embarks on a quest to find his long-lost father, an endeavor that leads him to search for clues within VHS tapes. As he delves deeper into this unusual journey, his reality becomes entangled with mystique when two movie-like characters emerge in their small hometown, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

 

Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)

 

The film, directed and written by Carl Joseph Papa, features a talented cast including Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol, and Dolly De Leon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this captivating story, the life of a speechless young man takes an unexpected turn when an alien returns to reclaim him. As his memories begin to unravel, his journey becomes a rollercoaster of twists and revelations.

 

Maria

 

In the Philippines, a country grappling with shrinking civic and democratic space and a prevailing culture of impunity, three women named Maria embark on a courageous journey in search of truth and justice, standing up against the prevailing injustices. Directed by Sheryl Rose Andes, this powerful film portrays their inspiring fight for a better future.

 

Rookie

 

Rookie, directed by Samantha Lee and written by Samantha Lee and Natts Jadaone, stars Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez, and Agot Isidro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The film follows a tall, awkward teenager who relocates to a new town and finds herself compelled to join the volleyball team at her new all-girl Catholic high school. As she navigates her way through this unfamiliar environment, everything takes a dramatic turn when she develops feelings for the volleyball team captain, leading to a journey of self-discovery and newfound emotions.

 

Tether

 

Tether, directed and written by Gian Arre, features Mikoy Morales and Jorrybell Agoto in starring roles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this intriguing story, an arrogant playboy and a timid young woman find themselves connected unusually after a one-night stand. They soon realize that any pain they inflict upon themselves is simultaneously experienced by the other person. As they grapple with this newfound connection, their lives intertwine in unexpected and profound ways, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.

 

When This is All Over

 

Directed and written by Kevin Mayuga, When This is All Over features an ensemble cast including Juan Karlos Labajo, Jorrybell Agoto, Ana Abad Santos, Chaye Mogg, Nour Hooshman, Jico Umali, Renee Dominique, Aaron Maniego, Jonathan Tadioan, Lottie Bie, Zara Loayan, and Lotlot Bustamante.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The film's logline unfolds a compelling narrative, where a disconnected and desperate individual strikes a deal with a group of privileged misfits. Together, they clandestinely plan a secret party amidst the height of a global pandemic, all in the pursuit of escaping their respective realities. The film delves into the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to find solace and a sense of freedom in uncertain times.

 

Cinemalaya 2023 Event Details 

 

Here's what you need to know so that you can catch these films during the event's 10-day run! 

 

Date & Venue 

 

Amidst the rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. have joined hands to present the cinematic extravaganza at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), nestled within the CCP Complex, from August 4 to 13, 2023.

 

Throughout the 10-day event, Cinemalaya films will be showcased in three meeting rooms - Cinema Rizal (Meeting Room 1), Cinema Bonifacio (Meeting Room 2 and 3), and Cinema Felipe (Meeting Room 4). Engaging fringe events and talkbacks will take place at Cinema Palma (Meeting Room 5). The films will also be showcased in four (4) Ayala Malls cinemas namely Manila Bay, Glorietta, UP Town Center, and Trinoma.

 

Additionally, visitors can explore exhibitions and get acquainted with the filmmakers through their profiles, thoughtfully displayed at the Executive Lounge. This innovative arrangement ensures that the cherished cinematic experience of Cinemalaya continues uninterrupted, bringing the best of Filipino filmmaking to a wider audience.

 

Mainstay Highlights

 

Film enthusiasts and festival aficionados can look forward to savoring the festival's beloved traditions: Retrospective, a nostalgic journey revisiting winning films from past Cinemalaya editions; Best of the Festivals, an exhibition of outstanding films from various local festivals; Visions of Asia, a showcase of award-winning Asian and Netpac films; Premieres, offering exclusive screenings of never-before-seen films; and Dokyu, a screening of acclaimed award-winning documentaries. These cherished elements ensure a delightful and diverse cinematic experience that caters to a broad range of tastes and interests.

 

Ticket Prices

 

Image from Cinemalaya (Facebook)

 

The ticket prices for the event are as follows: Regular tickets cost P300, Student tickets are priced at P200, and Senior citizens, PWDs, and government employees can avail tickets at a discounted rate of P240. For cinephiles who wish to immerse themselves fully, the FIC (Films in Competition) pass is available for P2500, which grants access to 12 films comprising 10 full-length features and two sets of shorts. For the ultimate festival experience, the all-access Festival pass is priced at P3500.

 

Tickets can be conveniently purchased at the PICC venue.