In its twentieth year, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival boldly sets sail again from August 2 to 11. Embracing the theme “Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas,” the pioneering independent film festival is back with 10 gripping full-length and 10 eye-striking short films.
Going 20 and Legendary
Celebrating two decades of bold storytelling, Cinemalaya keeps uncovering the raw and honest tales that define Filipino cinema. It’s a platform where both seasoned pros and rising stars paint vivid portraits of the country with fearless creativity and deep cut-throat stories.
Films being offered since then have not only resonated with audiences. It also contributed significantly to pop culture references and perspectives on the world, such as “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” a satirical comedy critiquing Philippine Cinema; the iconic, “Ekstra” which reignited interest in the importance of the working force; and “Respeto,” which tackles societal justice. These films have showcased the depth of Cinemalaya and its impact on the world.
This time around, some of the most hyped feature films at Cinemalaya 2024 include “Balota” with Marian Rivera who portrays a teacher eager to protect the last remaining ballot during an election, directed by Kip Oebanda; and “Love Child” by Jonathan Jurilla, starring real-life couple Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing which tackles an unmarried couple’s journey of raising their child. There’s also “Gulay Lang Manong” which explores the shocking secret of a certain drug, it is directed by BC Amparado, plus “Alipato at Muog,” a powerful documentary by JL Burgos about his brother’s abduction. The film festival also includes short films “Cross My Heart, Hope to Die”, “I was walking on the streets of Chinatown”, “Mariposa”, “Primetime Mother”, among others.
A New Home For Pinoy Indie Films
As the CCP Main Building undergoes renovation, Cinemalaya proudly moves its cinematic feast to Ayala Mall Manila Bay. For over two decades, Ayala Malls has been a steadfast partner of CCP and Cinemalaya. During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films will screen at Cinema 2, 8, 9, and 10, offering indie filmmakers a platform to share their stories and perspectives on national issues while advancing the Philippine cinema industry.
Festival fans and film enthusiasts continue to enjoy mainstays such as Retrospective, which brings back previous Cinemalaya-winning films; Best of the Festivals, showing top 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 classics.
20 years later, Cinemalaya still champions quality Filipino indie films, gathering awards locally and globally. Each year, its showcase highlights over 1,000 works, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino classics, and artistic films, enriching Philippine cinema.
Written by | NRLustre
