It’s Cinemalaya once more.
One of the most awaited film festivals in the country is set to sail on next month, October 3 to 12, 2025 and everyone is excited to watch the films to be exhibited in this year’s celebration.
The 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is ready to embark on its journey marked by its press launch recently held at the Shangri-La Plaza East Atrium in Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City which was attended by participants from the various stakeholders of the local film industry and other institutions that pivot around the event.
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice-President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan opened the confab with his acknowledgement of the many filmmakers from all parts of the Philippines and the key figures who support the event.
Senior Retail Marketing Manager for Shangri-La Plaza Corporation Arrianne Nadurata welcomed to Shangri-La the Cinemalaya event.
CCP President Kaye C. Tinga talked about the importance of Cinemalaya in promoting Philippine arts and culture through cinema.
Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. (CFI) President Laurice Guillen thanked all the filmmakers who intended and whose works were selected to compete in the event. Guillen said that there were hundreds of entries but only ten finalists to both Full-Length Feature Category and Shirt Film Section were rigorously chosen.
Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Head of the Education Division Rica Arevalo represented Jose Javier Reyes, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency. Arevalo mentioned the support of FDCP to not only Cinemalaya but local filmmakers as well.
Cinemalaya (CM) Festival Director Chris Millado admitted that Cinemalaya has weathered all problems in the past but it isn’t complacent about what the future holds. He likened Cinemalaya to a boat which almost capsized because of challenges but urged again in high spirit.
CM Competition and Monitoring Committee Chairman Carlos Siguion-Reyna announced the official line of this year’s fest.
According to Siguion-Reyna, the ten finalists in the Full-Length Category are “Bloom Where you are Planted” by Nonilon Abao; “Child No. 82” by Tim Rone Villanueva; “Cinemartyrs” by Sari Dalena; “Habang Nilalamon ng Hyra ang Kasaysayan” by Dustin Celestino; “Padamlagan” by Jenn Romano; “Paglilitis” by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon; “Open Endings” by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente; “Republika ng Pipolipinas” by Renei Dimla; “Raging” by Ryan Machado and “Warla” by Kevin Alambra.
Meanwhile, in the Short Film Category, the films in competition are “Ascencion from the Office Cubicle” by Hannah Silvestre; “Figat” by Handiong Kapuno; “Hasang” by Daniel de la Cruz; “I’m Best Left Inside My Head” by Elian Idioma; “Kay Basta Angkarabo kay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit” by Marie Estela Paiso; “Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman sang Lawod” by Seth Andrew Blanca; “Please Keep this Copy” by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta; “Radikals” by Arvin Belarmino; “The Next 24 Hours” by Carl Joseph Papa and “Water Sports” by Whammy Alcazaren.
Cinemalaya, now on its 21st edition, has for its theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos.”
Among the entries, an emerging filmmaker from CALABARZON has been selected.
Villanueva, a Caviteño from Kawit, fielded his feature film “Child No. 82” about Maximo “Boy Kana” Maniego Sr., the biggest action-fantasy movie star of Philippine Cinema who just passed away. Max, a 17-year-old student rumored to be an illegitimate son of the late icon, has to prove that he is the 82nd child before the end of the public viewing hours. When proven, it can help Max claim his identity, inheritance, and showbiz dream to support his pregnant teenage girlfriend and their baby. Will Max reach the casket before the clock strikes if he needs to stand in line with hundreds of fans and villains who also claim their places in Boy Kana’s life?
“Child No. 82” stars JM Ibarra, Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Vhong Navarro, Irma Adlawan, Inah Evans, Zairene Fernandez, Dexter Doria and Kai Montinola.
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