Celebrate Two Decades of Philippine independent cinema with ‘Cinemalaya Bente: Loob, Lalim, Lakas’

Celebrate Two Decades of Philippine independent cinema with ‘Cinemalaya Bente: Loob, Lalim, Lakas’ from August 2-11, showcasing compelling films and diverse voices at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Twenty years into navigating the cinematic imagination, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sets sail once more from August 2 to 11, guided by the Filipino people’s inner constellation, imagery, and creativity.

Embracing the theme “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob, Lalim, Lakas,” the pioneering independent film festival returns with 10 compelling full-length and 10 captivating short films in competition. For its 20th edition, Cinemalaya promises top-tier visual storytelling that ignites imaginations while amplifying diverse voices in cinema.

Full-Length Films in Competition:

ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos
AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta
TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico
BALOTA by Kip Oebanda
GULAY LANG MANONG (NO MORE THAN VEGGIES) by BC Amparado
KANTIL (TRENCH) by Joshua Caesar Medroso
KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II
LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla
THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio
THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued

Short Feature Films in Competition:

ABOGBAYBAY by P.R. Monencillo Patindol
ALL THIS WASTED SPACE by Cris Bringas
AMBOT WALA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE INI by Rey Anthony Villaverde
CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE by Sam Manasca
I WAS WALKING ON THE STREETS OF CHINATOWN by Ryan Capili
MAMA by Alexandra Brizuela
MARIPOSA by Melanie Faye Tampos
PAMALANDONG SA DANOW (REFLECTION IN THE MARSH) by Breech Asher Harani
PRIMETIME MOTHER by Sonny Calvento
THE RED TRAILS (AN BAGA SA DALAN) by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Roniño Dolim

A New Venue for a Continuing Legacy

Amidst the ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. proudly bring this cinematic feast to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. For over two decades, Ayala Malls has steadfastly supported CCP and Cinemalaya as a valued partner.

During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. These screenings secure a safe space for independent filmmakers to tell their stories and share perspectives on issues shaping the nation, while propelling the Philippine cinema industry to new heights.

For more information, visit the CCP website and the Cinemalaya website. Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages and other social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

(ROHN ROMULO)