Kicking off a month from now, the 13th Cinemalaya Film Festival, with the theme “See the big picture,” will be featuring 9 full-length films and 12 short films which cover different themes that reflect the Filipino culture and experience, as well as the artistry of the Filipino filmmakers.
Set to happen from August 4 to 13 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Ayala Cinemas, film buffs are now given a glimpse of what they should expect in the upcoming festival as they reveal the list of films in competition.
Full-Length Category:
Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa (My Teacher Who Doesn’t Know How to Read)
Directed by: Perry Escaño
Ang Guro Kong ‘Di Marunong Magbasa is an action and drama story which tells the story of an illiterate farmer from a barrio in the Southwestern Mindanao. To maintain the children’s “faith in education,” he pretends to read and be their teacher.
Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha (The Family That Doesn’t Weep)
Directed by: Mes De Guzman
This film centers a woman who, after focusing too much on her job, is desperate to get her husband and child back. To have her family back, she searches for the so-called “Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” which is believed to bring back the happiness not only in one’s family, but also in a certain community. It is Sharon Cuneta’s first independent film, and also her comeback after not doing a movie in almost 8 years.
Baconaua
Directed by: Joseph Israel Laban
When people of a Southern Tagalog Island wake up to the sight of a red sea with thousands of apples floating on it, they immediately resort to think that it’s either a miracle from heaven or a bad omen from the baconaua, a mythical sea serpent.
Bagahe
Directed by: Zig Dulay
Bagahe is a story of an OFW who only wants to go back home and to her family in the Philippines after escaping from her rapist boss and dumping her fetus at an airplane comfort room. It stars Angeli Bayani.
Kiko Boksingero
Directed by: Thop Nazareno
When 11-year old Kiko lost his mother, he is left to live alone with a nanny, while he tries to develop his relationship with his father. It stars Noel Comia Jr. and Yayo Aguila.
Nabubulok (The Decaying)
Directed by: Sonny Calvento
Nabubulok centers on the events which transpires when a woman goes missing and her American husband wants to leave the country all of a sudden. The people in their town start to investigate on the crime and find out the truth as to what really happened to the woman. It stars Gina Alajar, JC Santos, and Billy Ray Galleon.
Respeto
Directed by: Treb Montreras
Respeto tells the story of a young hip-hop rapper and an older poet who is haunted by the events of Martial Law. When the two are forced to communicate with each other, they discover a new perspective in creating and performing their “berso.” It stars two of today’s famous rappers: Loonie and Abra. .
Requited
Directed by: Nerissa Picadizo
This film is about a guy who is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As his final adventure, he plans to bike from Manila to Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake before ending his life, but these plans are hinder when the woman he likes interferes. Requited stars Jake Cuenca and Anna Luna.
Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig
Directed by: Iar Lionel Arondaing
Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig tells the story of a priest and the altar boy who are both torn between keeping and breaking the oath he swore to when a woman confesses the murder she committed when she discovers her husband’s adulterous relationship with her best friend. It stars Ruby Moreno, Alex Medina, Karl Medina, and Ronwaldo Martin.
Aside from the competing full-length films, here are the 12 short films which will be screened in this year's Cinemalaya:
Shorts A:
- Manong Ng Pa-Aling by E. Del Mundo
- Lola Loleng by Che Tagyamon
- Fatima Marie Torres and the Invasion of Space Shuttle Pinas 25 by Carlo Francisco Manatad
- Aliens Ata by Glenn Barit
- Sorry for the Inconvenience by Carl Adrian Chavez
- Islabodan by Juan Carlo Tarobal
Shorts B
- Maria by JP Habac
- Nakauwi Na by Marvin Cabangunay and Jaynus Olaivar
- Juan and the Sacred Shores by Antonne Santiago
- Bawod by TM Malones
- Hilom by PR Patindol
- Nakaw by Arvin Belarmino and Noel Escondo
Which film are you seeing first? Share it with us in the comments!
