‘Cinemalaya Bente: Loob, Lalim, Lakas’ Explores the Depths of Philippine Cinematic Soul

Twenty years into navigating the cinematic imagination, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sets sail once more from August 2 to 11, guided by the Filipino people’s inner constellation, imagery, and creativity.

Embracing the theme “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas,” the pioneering independent film festival returns with 10 compelling full-length and 10 captivating short films in competition. For its 20th edition, Cinemalaya promises top-tier visual storytelling that ignites imaginations while amplifying diverse voices in cinema.

Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are: ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos; AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta; TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; BALOTA by Kip Oebanda; GULAY LANG MANONG (NO MORE THAN VEGGIES) by BC Amparado; KANTIL (TRENCH) by Joshua Caesar Medroso; KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II; LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla; THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio; and THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued.

Short Feature films in competition include: ABOGBAYBAY by P.R. Monencillo Patindol; ALL THIS WASTED SPACE by Cris Bringas; AMBOT WALA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE INI by Rey Anthony Villaverde; CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO DIE by Sam Manasca; I WAS WALKING ON THE STREETS OF CHINATOWN by Ryan Capili; MAMA by Alexandra Brizuela; MARIPOSA by Melanie Faye Tampos; PAMALANDONG SA DANOW (REFLECTION IN THE MARSH) by Breech Asher Harani; PRIMETIME MOTHER by Sonny Calvento; and THE RED TRAILS (AN BAGA SA DALAN) by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Roniño Dolim.

Amidst ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. proudly bring this cinematic feast to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. For over two decades, Ayala Malls has steadfastly supported CCP and Cinemalaya as a valued partner.

During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. These screenings secure a safe space for independent filmmakers to tell their stories and share perspectives on issues shaping the nation, while propelling the Philippine cinema industry to new heights.

Festival fans and film enthusiasts continue to enjoy mainstays like: Retrospective, which brings back previous Cinemalaya winning films; Best of the Festivals, showcasing the best films from local festivals; Visions of Asia, featuring award-winning Asian and NETPAC films; Premieres, with never-before-screened films; Dokyu, showing award-winning documentaries; and Digital Classics, featuring newly-restored Filipino classic films.

Running concurrently is the 36th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in Southeast Asia. Films compete in categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation. Pre-selected entries will be screened on August 3-6, 2024 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, with the awards ceremony on August 10 at Cinema 2.

Now in its 20th year of unfettered exploration of truthful storytelling and imagery, Cinemalaya continues to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full-feature independent films and short films, many of which have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

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.