From August 4 to 13, the center of the Philippine cinematic universe is at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) as it becomes the new home of the most prestigious independent film festival, Cinemalaya.
Now in its 19th edition, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival highlights short and full-length films that illuminate our culture, present contemporary times and its morality, reminisce the past, and promise to deliver the best narratives that will open minds and make hearts bounce and scream.
CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo revealed that due to the ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation have decided to hold the festival at the PICC within the CCP Complex. This decision aims to maintain the festival’s unique community spirit. The PICC has a history of hosting film screenings, including the Manila International Film Festival in the 1980s, Moran-Floirendo noted.
According to Cinemalaya Festival Director Chris Millado, this year’s screening venues will be Cinema Rizal (Meeting Room 1), Cinema Bonifacio (Meeting Room 2 and 3), and Cinema Felipe (Meeting Room 4). Fringe events and talkbacks will take place at Cinema Palma (Meeting Room 5), while exhibitions and filmmakers’ profiles will be showcased at the Executive Lounge.
Cinemalaya Monitoring and Competition Chairperson Jose Javier Reyes announced that the festival will feature 10 full-length films and 10 short films in competition. These emerging filmmakers represent the new hopes of Philippine cinema.
The film Jedis in the 10 competing full-length films are: Ang Suyan ng Magiting by Dustin Celestino; As If It’s True by John Rogers; Bulawan Nga Usa by Kenneth De la Cruz; Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo; Huling Palabas by Ryan Espinosa Machado; Iti Mapukpukaw by Carl Joseph E. Papa; Maria by She Andes; Rookie by Samantha Lee and Natts Jadaone; Tether by Gian Arre; and When This Is All Over by Kevin Mayuga.
The young Short films Padawans are: Ang Kining Binalaybay Kag Ambahanon Ko Para Sa Imo by Kent John D. Desamparado; Golden Bells by Kurt Soberano; Hinakdal by Arvin Belarmino; Hm Hm Mhm by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan; Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. UNDAS 2019 by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; Makoko sa Baybay by Mike Cabarles; Maudi Nga Arapaap by Daniel Magayon; Sibuyas ni Perfecto by Januar Yap; Sota by Mae Tanagon; and Tong Adlaw Nga Bag-Snow sa Pinas by Joshua Caesar Medroso.
Aside from the films in competition, Cinemalaya enthusiasts and fans can look forward to the yearly staples such as: Retrospective, lookback to winning films of past Cinemalaya editions; Best of the Festivals, which showcases the best films from local festivals; Visions of Asia, featuring award-winning Asian and Netpac films; Premieres, featuring never-before-screen films; and Dokyu, which screens award-winning documentaries.
During the press conference held at the PICC, aside from Floirendo, Millado, and Reyes, Cinemalaya Foundation President Laurice Guillen, CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan, and CCP Administrative Services department manager Tess Rances were also present.
Some of the artists who are in the films namely Dolly de Leon, Khalil Ramos, Ashley Ortega, Micoy Morales, Cedrick Juan, and Jay Gonzaga, graced the PICC press conference.
All the Cinemalaya full length and short films will also be for viewing at the Ayala Malls by the Bay, Glorietta, and Trinoma cinemas.