The 14th Cinemalaya Film Festival is set to open just a bit over a month from now, so if you still haven't marked your calendars, now's the time to do so and start saving up!
Happening from August 3 to 12 at various CCP venues and Ayala Cinemas, this year's festival will be featuring 10 full-length films and 10 short films of various genres which showcase the talents and artistry of Filipino independent filmmakers.
Already planning which films to see? We're giving you a rundown of the shorts and full-length films competing this year, so make sure to bookmark this page as we update it with trailers and more information on the upcoming festival!
Full-Length Category
Mamang
Directed by: Denise O'Hara
A film which stars Celeste Legaspi, Mamang is about a senile old woman who hangs in her memory and relives her life of pain and sorrow to be with her only son, Ferdie. Legaspi will be joined by Ketchup Eusebio, Peewee O'Hara, Alex Medina, Gio Gahol, and more.
Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
Directed by: Carlo Catu
In Carlo Catu's Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon, Teresa – an old lady living with her longtime partner Celso – receives a call from her estranged husband, Benedicto, who is ill and is seeking for forgiveness from his ex-wife and son, Chito. The film stars Perla Bautista, Dante Rivero, and Menggie Cobarrubias.
Kuya Wes
Directed by: James Robin Mayo
Kuya Wes stars Ogie Alcasid as the timid titular character who works at a remittance center. His relationship with his brother and his family changes when he falls for his customer-in-need Erika, helping her from his own pocket. The cast will also be joined by Ina Raymundo, Alex Medina, Moi Bien, and Karen Gaerlan.
Liway
Directed by: Kip Oebanda
Liway tells the story of a family whole lives in a makeshift prison for rebels and criminals. To ensure her child is free from trauma, she uses storytelling, music, and imagination, sheltering him from the harsh realities of life. The film stars Glaiza de Castro, Dominic Roco, Kenken Nuyad, Sue Prado, Soliman Cruz, and more.
ML
Directed by: Benedict Mique
ML centers on a college student, his girlfriend, and bestfriend, who learns about the cruelties of Martial Law from a retired soldier who tortured student activists during the said era. It stars Eddie Garcia, Tony Labrusca, Liane Valentino, Henz Villaraiz, and more.
Pan De Salawal
Directed by: Che Espiritu
In Pan De Salawal, a lonely and sick panadero – along with his neighbors near the Manila Railroad – receives a miracle from a wandering girl whose way to heal them is by violently hurting them. Bodjie Pascua stars in the film with Miel Espinosa, Madeleine Nicolas, Anna Luna, Felix Roco, Soliman Cruz, and more.
The Lookout
Directed by: Afi Africa
Directed by Afi Africa, The Lookout tells the story of Lester Quiambao, a gay hired killer whose past led him to a life of crime, compelling him to betray the man he loves for revenge. The film stars Yayo Aguila, Rez Cortez, Efren Reyes, Alvin Fortuna, Elle Ramirez, and more.
Distance
Directed by: Perci Intalan
Perci Intalan's Distance follows Liza who returns to the family she abandoned after five years, only realize that they have been struggling to stay together because of the secrets and wounds from their past. Iza Calzado stars in this film, alongside Nonie Buencamino, Therese Malvar, Alessandra Malonzo, and more.
Musmos na Sumibol sa Gitna ng Digma
Directed by: Iar Arondaing
Musmos na Sumibol Sa Gubat ng Digma is a coming-of-age film about 2 young Muslims who are in the middle of the political unrest and age-old clan wars in Mindanao. The two cross paths and find friendship when they spend seven days in the forest. It stars Junyka Sigrid Santarin, SM Salvado, Star Orjaliza, Jun Salvado Jr., Romerico Jangad, Darril Ampongan, and Haide Movero.
School Service
Directed by: Louie Ignacio
Louie Ignacio's School Service is about a young girl named Maya who is taken by a syndicate in the province and is brought to Manila to be a beggar. The film's cast includes Aiai delas Alas, Joel Lamangan, Celine Juan, Therese Malvar, Felixia Dizon, and more.
Shorts Category:
Shorts A:
- Si Astri Maka Si Tambulah (Astri and Tambulah) by Xeph Suarez
- Jodilerks Dela Cruz by Carlo Francisco Manatad
- Logro by Kani Villaflor
- Sa Saíyang Islá (In His Island) by Christian Candelaria
- Nangungupahan (Who Rents There Now?) by Glenn Barit
Shorts B:
- You, Me, and Mr. Wiggles by Jav Velasco
- Kiko by Joey Driz
- Babylon by Keith Deligero
- Siyudad sa Bulawan by Jarrell Serencio
- Yakap (Embrace) by Mika Fabella and Rafael Froilan
Tickets for the films are priced at P150 (P100 for students) and can be purchased at the CCP Box Office and in Ticketworld outlets. For the screening schedule and updates on the festival, you may check out Cinemalaya's Facebook page and website.
