Sinag Maynila Film Festival presented its 2018 lineup during a recent press conference held at Cinema 3 at The Block, in SM City North EDSA.
The festival, which began on Wednesday and runs until March 15 in selected SM Cinemas within Metro Manila, will have its “Gabi ng Parangal” on March 11 at Conrad Hotel Manila.
A joint project of Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, and SM, the festival seeks to inspire, educate, and enlighten the viewing public by featuring films that reflect Filipino culture, while presenting social issues deserving of discussion among audiences here and abroad.
During the event, Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng and acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support of the sponsors, film and entertainment industry, and the media for the past four years. This has allowed more talented filmmakers the opportunity to bring their artistic storytelling to international festivals.
The season’s films in the Full Length, Short Film, and Documentary categories were likewise presented during the press conference at The Block. These included the five finalists for the Full- Length Category – Abomination by Yam Laranas, Bomba (The Bomb) by Ralston Jover, El Peste by Richard Somes, Melod rama/Random/Melbourne by Matth ew Victor Pastor and Tale of the Lost Boys by Joselito Altarejos.
Cesar & Magda by Pamela Barrios, Firestarter by Jill Urdaneta, Halusinasyon by John Agcalis, Kalye FM by Tom Nava, Pompoms by Angelo Amar and Duwende by Odin Fernandez are competing in the Short Film category.
Finalists for the Documentary Category are Am-amma by Dexter Macaraeg, Halaga by Vandam Arambulo, Journeyman by Albert Almendralejo, Mahal by Janine Santos, Tsuper by Rina Abary and Voltaire by Jaimee Bernardo.
It was also announced that in celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Cinema, the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2018 partners with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and CineLokal. Sinag Maynila and FDCP have lined up special screenings, forums, and workshops to further highlight the 100 years of film in the Philippines.