With this year's theme "Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos (Sail on Waves, Wind, and Tempest)" and its historic and symbolic water ride "balanghai," the "Cinemalaya 21" definitely sails on next month in various streaming platforms such as the movie houses of Gateway, Ayala Malls and Shangri-La Plaza.
This was announced to a sea of cinema people by Chris Millado, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival Director, in a press conference held at the Shangri-La Plaza East Atrium in Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City Wednesday, September 3.
As in any industry, the local movie enterprise — where Cinemalaya is a component — has its own share of problems in any given time when most Filipino movies, big and small, are in doldrums.
This was acknowledged, in more ways than one, by Chris.
More so, Millado likened Cinemalaya to a boat which has been hit by numerous typhoons and major distractions and setbacks in the past but as is, it continues to voyage miles even on uncharted territories.
"It almost capsized," said Millado. "But it quickly surged."
Now, Cinemalaya 2025 will embark on a bolder journey as it redefines the landscape of contemporary Philippine cinema.
During the event, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice-President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan as emcee, welcomed all the participants of the twenty-first edition of the widely awaited indie film festival in the country.
As the host of this year's confab and the screening of the selections in theaters, Arrianne Nadurata, Senior Retail Marketing Manager for Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, expressed her gratitude and excitement over the celebration of the 2025 Cinemalaya at Shangri-La Plaza theaters.
Meanwhile, CCP President Kaye Tinga lauded the people behind Cinemalaya for showcasing once more the authentic arts and culture of the Filipino people through films.
Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. President Laurice Guillen conveyed her pride and joy in this year's harvest of the festival.
Award-winning director and film educator Carlos Siguion-Reyna presented to the public the 10 finalists in the Short Film Category and the 10 finalists in the Full-Length Film Section.
Cinemalaya 21 reels off on October 3 and ends on October 12.
Full-length films in the competition include “Bloom Where you are Planted” by Nonilon Abao; “Child No. 82” by Tim Rone Villanueva; “Cinemartyrs” by Sari Dalena; “Habang Nilalamon ng Hyra ang Kasaysyan” 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.
Short Film entries, on the other hand, include “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.
Photo Caption: Chris Millado, Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival Director (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta)
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