Cinemalaya sails to bigger and better shores with new venue partners this October

 

For the 21st edition of Cinemalaya, the pioneering independent film festival returns with the theme “Layag: sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos”, turning the big screen into a reflection of brave and persevering Filipino stories. Ten full-length films and ten short film entries are set for screening from October 3 to October 12 in three partner venues: Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex 18. 

Since its inception in 2005, the Cinemalaya is traditionally held in the theaters of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The ongoing rehabilitation at the Center has led to the festival finding  new venues to continue its tradition of discovering, encouraging, and supporting the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

This year, Shangri-La Plaza will serve as the main hub of the festival for the first time. In addition to its long-standing partnership with Ayala Malls Cinemas, Cinemalaya will now also hold screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18 throughout the festival period. 

“We are excited to serve as a flagship venue for Cinemalaya’s 21st edition as it reflects our commitment to cultivating local film and cultural expression. As part of our Culture in Focus program, this marks the beginning of our partnership with Cinemalaya in bringing fresh and daring stories to our screens,” said Arrianne M. Nadurata, Senior Retail Marketing Manager of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation.

Ayala Malls Cinemas, a steadfast partner of the CCP and Cinemalaya for over two decades, reaffirmed its commitment to Philippine cinema. “Ayala Malls Cinemas is proud to continue its partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya, serving as a home for Filipino artistry on the big screen. This enduring collaboration reflects our shared dedication to championing the voices of visionary Filipino filmmakers and celebrating the boundless spirit of local cinema. As Cinemalaya 21 unfolds, we are honored to showcase these powerful stories, uniting audiences in a timeless celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” said Yvette Roldan, Head of Ancillary Business and the Cinemas.

“As a new venue partner of Cinemalaya, Gateway Cineplex 18 is committed to amplifying the unique and bold voices of independent filmmakers across the country. It’s an honor to host these important films within our theaters,” said Irene L. Jose, Chief Operating Officer of Uniprom, Inc. 

With these additional venues, Cinemalaya 21 will not only bridge some of the most prominent local cinemas together, but it also opens more doors for film lovers and avid cinema goers to experience the thriving industry of Filipino cinema. This move reflects the festival’s enduring dedication to bringing the best of Filipino independent filmmaking even closer to the hearts of its audiences.

For over two decades, Cinemalaya has served as both compass and vessel for filmmakers who sail their stories of truth, identity, struggle, and hope, to spotlight the voices of their community. As Cinemalaya continues to navigate the evolving tides of Filipino cinema, it promises to persist and endure amidst the strongest of unos.

Witness unique Filipino narratives come to life from October 3 to October 12, 2025, at the Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex 18. 

HOW PIONEER CINEMALAYA FILMMAKERS STARTED AND PERSISTED

 

Coreen "Monster" Jimenez

To date, Cinemalaya has nurtured over 200 Filipino filmmakers and showcased over 1,000 of their works, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

The country’s biggest and pioneering independent film festival has been relentless in developing and supporting the production of independent Filipino films since it was founded in 2005, bringing new narratives that embody the ever-evolving landscape of Filipino cinema each year.

Shortly after celebrating its 20th year, the Cinemalaya has once again welcomed another batch of filmmakers for their turn in articulating and freely interpreting the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With two decades under its belt and more than a handful of filmmakers bolstered to success, we look back to some of the pioneers who started the tradition.

Mario Cornejo

“I remember some of that time very clearly. I remember the sense of freedom, the sense of fun,” began 2005 Cinemalaya director Mario Cornejo. “At that time, nobody knew what Cinemalaya was, so when they said they would give a grant to make a film, all we could think of was ‘okay. Let’s make a film’. There were no stakes, kunbaga, very low stakes. There were no expectations. It felt very free.”

Cornejo is a director for movies, television shows and television commercials. He is currently an in-house director for television commercials at Film Experts Inc. He debuted his full-length film Big Time, a comedy-drama that follows the misadventures of two small-time criminals, Danny and Jonas, who run into a series of unforeseen events when they attempt to move into big time crime. 

Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.

The film won the first Balanghai trophy for Best Screenplay.

“It was super fun for us not because of the awards we received, but because it was a good excuse to thank people who were part of the film,” shared Coreen “Monster” Jimenez, who was Big Time’s co-writer and producer. “Everybody was super cooperative because people were just trying things out. It felt like a playground.”

Jimenez is a producer, filmmaker, mentor and documentary advocate. She is the managing director of This Side Up, a media company based in Manila, and the co-founder of the Filipino Documentary Society, which organized the biggest documentary fest in the Philippines. She is currently in pre-production for another collaboration with Cornejo for the film, My Neighbor the Gangster.

For distinguished screenwriter Cloudualdo del Mundo Jr., his first exposure to full-length filmmaking was through the first ever Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. He debuted with Pepot Artista, a comedy-drama film about a ten-year-old boy whose dream is to become a movie star. The film explores the penchant of Pinoys for entertainment in the midst of serious social problems.

Del Mundo is an esteemed figure in the Filipino film industry. He is a multi-awarded writer, director, and producer. He is also the professor emeritus of the Department of Communication in De La Salle University. Some of his recent accolades include being a 2020 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Awardee and a recipient of the Parangal ng Sining Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Sinulat ko ‘yung screenplay ng Pepot Artista noong 1970. Nasa graduate school ako nun, may kinuha akong tutorial course tungkol sa scriptwriting,” shared del Mundo. “Natatandaan ko si Ishmael Bernal, pinuntahan pa ako sa bahay. Nagtatanong kung maisasapelikula ba ‘yung script ko.”

But it was only in 2005 when Pepot Artista came to life at Cinemalaya. It won the first Balanghai trophies for Best Film and Best Editing. Del Mundo found it interesting that an old screenplay of his would even have a chance.

“In Pepot Artista, I was assisted by many of my students. Ganun talaga ‘yung paggawa ng indie films, e, ‘no? Maski hanggang ngayon, kailangan gamitin mo ‘yung mga kaibigan mo, ‘yung mga kakilala mo, para sa pelikula.”

Cornejo and Jimenez also acknowledged the sense of community and support in making independent films, and one key difference from then to now is the growing number of voices.

“Cinemalaya really changed the way people thought about making films,” said Jimenez. “It had such an impact on every filmmaker, especially the budding filmmakers.”

“It changed my life completely,” agreed Cornejo, who was hired by a studio to do another film right after Cinemalaya. “I only want it to be a better festival every year because of what it did for me and what it does for Philippine Cinema.”

The tandem went on to say how independent film now is in a much better place than when they started 20 years ago, with Cinemalaya still being a major testament that anyone can do films. 

For del Mundo, who already had a steady career in the industry at that time, Cinemalaya gave him the opportunity to direct a full-length film: “Even before Cinemalaya, I was already typecast as a screenwriter. I was already doing short films and documentaries but I really wanted to direct a full-length film. It was very satisfactory that I was able to do Pepot Artista because of Cinemalaya.”

When it comes to thriving in the craft, all three filmmakers urge aspiring independent filmmakers to persist and just make the films they want to do.

“You just have to believe in yourself and in your story, and find a way to get that story made and that story told,” said Cornejo. 

For its next editions, Cinemalaya will surely continue to uphold its vision to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers.

CINEMALAYA XX PAYS TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO CINEMA LEGENDS

The 20th edition of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival pays homage to Philippine cinema's pillars with its esteemed Cinemalaya Tributes. This year, the spotlight shines on director Armando Lao, actress Jaclyn Jose, National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., and film curator-archivist Teddy Co.

These luminaries, each with their unique contributions, have shaped the landscape of Philippine cinema, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

This year, Cinemalaya Tributes puts the spotlight on director Armando Lao, actress Jaclyn Jose, National Artist Fernando Poe Jr. and fim curator-archivist Teddy Co.

These individuals have accomplished many greats and made extensive impact during their lifetime, inspired new filmmakers, and initiated conversations on truthful storytelling through their works. 

Armando Lao, a revered director, will be recognized for his groundbreaking work in the industry. His films have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of Philippine cinema, exploring diverse themes and narratives.

An awarded and revered Filipino screenwriter, Lao wrote remarkable films such as Takaw-Tukso, Itanong mo sa Buwan, and Oras-Oras, Araw Araw. Beyond his screenwriting career, he founded the “found story” school of filmmaking over 40 years ago. 

Ma' Rosa

 

Jose was one of the most respected film actresses of the Philippines during her time. She made a name for herself and became the first Filipino actress to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal in Ma'Rosa.

 

Known as “Da King” in the industry, Poe Jr. was not only an actor but also a writer, director and producer. He made approximately 300 movies in his 48-year career. He was known for his films such as Only the Brave Know Hell, Santiago!, and Adesillo.

 

A curator and archivist, Co worked hard in preserving the PH’s artistic heritage through film preservation and archiving. He also founded Cinema Rehiyon, one of the flagship projects of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) aims to highlight and mainstream regional filmmaking.

The late Jaclyn Jose, a powerhouse actress, has captivated audiences with her exceptional performances. Her versatility and talent have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

The festival will also pay tribute to the late Fernando Poe Jr., a beloved icon whose films have entertained and inspired generations of Filipinos. His contributions to Philippine cinema are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to resonate.

Asedillo

 

Lastly, Teddy Co, a dedicated film curator-archivist, will be honored for his invaluable work in preserving and promoting Philippine cinema heritage. His efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding the country’s cinematic treasures for future generations.

Through the Cinemalaya Tributes, the festival aims to celebrate the rich history of Philippine cinema and inspire emerging filmmakers to carry on the tradition of excellence.

These individuals have accomplished many greats and made extensive impact during their lifetime, served as inspirations to new breed of filmmakers, and initiated conversations on truthful storytelling through their works. 

An awarded and revered Filipino screenwriter, Lao wrote remarkable films such as Takaw-Tukso, Itanong mo sa Buwan, and Oras-Oras, Araw Araw. Beyond his screenwriting career, he founded the “found story” school of filmmaking over 40 years ago. 

 

Jose was one of the most respected film actresses of the Philippines during her time. She made a name for herself and became the first Filipino actress to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal in Ma'Rosa.

 

Known as “Da King” in the industry, Poe Jr. was not only an actor but also a writer, director and producer. He made approximately 300 movies in his 48-year career. He was known for his films such as Only the Brave Know Hell, Santiago!, and Adesillo.

 

A curator and archivist, Co worked hard in preserving the PH’s artistic heritage through film preservation and archiving. He also founded Cinema Rehiyon, one of the flagship projects of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) aims to highlight and mainstream regional filmmaking.

Join Cinemalaya 20 to honor these individuals with special screenings of their works.

 

To pay tribute to Lao and Jose, Brilliante Mendoza’s Ma’Rosa will be screened on August 8 at 8:30pm, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay Cinema 2. The film is about a well-liked small convenience store owner in a poor neighborhood of Manila and her struggles leading her resort in selling drugs. 

 

Celso Ad Castillo’s Asedillo, a biopic first shown back in 1971, is a tribute film to Fernando Poe Jr. This film showcases the story of Teodoro Asedillo, the terror of Sierra Madre. Set in San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna, Asedillo is an idealistic school teacher who became a revolutionary leader against the American Commonwealth government. Catch the film on August 9, 1pm, at the Metropolitan Theater.

City of Flowers

 

Tribute to Co centers on short films, which he championed throughout his career. A selection of Cinemalaya short films - City of Flowers by Xeph Suarez, Duwa-Duwa by Nena Jane Achacoso, Mga Hundas Nga Nasulat Sa Baras by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, See You George by Mark Moneda, and Si Oddie by Maria Kydylee Torato - will return to the big screen on August 7, 1pm, at Metropolitan Theater. 

 

A story about a couple’s attempt to survive the dip in their flower farm business, City of Flowers by Xeph Suarez and Alemberg Ang is a story about how this couple tries to push through their struggles for the birth of their first-born child. Set in Zamboanga City during the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the couple was given an opportunity to solve all their problems that were too good to pass up.

 

Nena Jane Achacoso’s Duwa-duwa is a film about a runaway daughter who comes home for anything but reuniting with her mother. Because of her need for money to support an operation, the daughter comes back home to steal from her mother. 

Duwa Duwa

 

Set in the time of the COVID Pandemic, Mga Hundas nga Nasulat sa Baras is a story about three boys who became teachers to their parents. This film by Arlie Sweet Sumagasaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico depicts how parents become teachers to their children, and how children become teachers to their parents as well.

See You, George

 

See you, George by Mark Moneda is a film about a group of hospital workers who take a trip down memory lane. Because they wanted to commemorate the life of one of their colleagues who died, they gathered together to celebrate their memories but it turned dark and haunting.

 

To make ends meet with his mother’s medical needs, the fictional story of this delivery rider is shown in Maria Kydylee Torato’s Si Oddie. Since we are living in an add-to-cart era, Torato’s film shows the audiences the important role of delivery riders in our lives.

 

This year’s Cinemalaya will run from August 2 to 11 at Ayala Malls by the Bay.

 

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya Facebook pages and other social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

CARLOS SIGUION-REYNA TAKES OVER NEW ROLES IN CINEMALAYA

 

Award-winning filmmaker Carlos Siguion-Reyna is now the chairman of the Cinemalaya Competition and Monitoring Committee, taking over the position vacated by director Jose Javier Reyes who is now serving as the new chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Mr. Siguion-Reyna will remain head and program director of the Cinemalaya Institute, the educational arm of the annual biggest independent Film Festival. Since 2015, he has been giving workshops and conducting film direction courses at the Institute. He received his MFA in Film at the New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he also taught graduate film courses at its Singapore campus. His thesis film Patas Lang (Fair Exchange) won an award in the narrative category of the 1989 Nissan FOCUS Awards.

He has done 13 feature films, twelve of which were produced under Reyna Films, a production company he managed with his mother, the late singer and actress Armida Siguion-Reyna. 

Hari ng Tondo (Where I Am King) received the Special Jury Prize in the Directors’ Showcase category of the 10th Cinemalaya in 2014. 

His films won in various international film festivals in San Diego, Toronto, Newport Beach, Berlin, and Singapore, and local film awards Gawad Urian, FAP Awards, FAMAS Awards, and Young Critics Circle Awards.

His extensive repertoire in the filmmaking industry includes being selected as one of The Outstanding Young Filipinos (TOYF) in the field of Arts/Cinema in 1995, serving three terms as president of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc., and teaching film direction and conducting short lectures and workshops at the University of the Philippines Film Institutes, the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Mowelfund Film Institute. 

FILMS TO WATCH IN CINEMALAYA’S SPECIAL SCREENING SECTION, FEATURING PREMIER ASIAN INDIE FILM AND THEATER SHORTS

 

With the Special Screening Section, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival aims to provide the most diverse cinematic experiences to its audiences, including films and theater shorts from the Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN) and ShoutOut Pinas 2022 by Pelikulove, as well as short films by Cinemalaya alumni and filmmakers Ida Anita del Mundo. 

The AFAN category, curated by Lorna Tee, features internationally famous Asian short films such as Grandma by Anthony Chen, Guest by Yoon Ga Eun, Kara, the Daughter of a Tree by Edwin, It's Easier to Raise Cattle by Amanda Nell Eu, and Mountain Cat by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir. 

As Grandma's family gathers by her deathbed to send her off, director Anthony Chen confronts the imminent death of a loved one and the battle to come to grips with it. Grandma won a special mention at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, the Concours d'Excellence Award at the International Short Film Festival of L'Aquila, Italy, and the Asian Film Archive Young Jury Awards for Best Short Film. In Yoon Ga Eun's Guest, 16-year-old Ja-gyung storms into the home of her father's mistress and meets her two small children. Guest has visited the international short film circuit in South Korea, Brazil, and Canada, winning Best Director at the 5th KT&G Sangsangmadang Great Short Film Festival and the Vision Award at the 13th Seoul International Short Film Festival  13th Seoul International Youth Film Festival in 2011. In 2012, Guest won the Grand Prix award at the 34th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France and participated in festivals in the United States, the Czech Republic, Italy, England, Ukraine and Australia. 

Eiga Sai 2016 Presents Japanese Literature to the Silver Screen

Eiga Sai fans have something to be happy about this 2016 as they are in for yet another treat as this year marks the 60th year of the Philippines-Japan friendship and the Japan Foundation, Manila’s 20th anniversary!

Just as it had always been, there will be twelve films which were carefully curated for this year’s line up. Don't fail to watch award-winning film adaptations as well as some of the best fiction and non-fiction novels written by the most prolific Japanese writers, produced between the year 2011 to 2015.

And as if those news aren't good enough, film aficionados will also be delighted to note that the officers of The Japan Foundation Manila in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has signed an agreement that will make Eiga Sai and Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition has now officially collaborated as allied festivals.