Since its fruition in 2005, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has been the most prominent film festival for indie films—often seen as the platform for rising filmmakers to share their art and vision.
On its 17th year, Cinemalaya will focus on Short Films in Competition, Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, exhibitions under the Visions of Asia, as well as Documentary and Premiere section. Due to continuing trying times, the country’s biggest independent film festival will have its second online edition.
Recently, Cinemalay announced the selected finalists. Here are their names, together with the titles of their work: “Kids On Fire” by Kyle Nieva, “Maski Papano” by Che Tagyamon & Glenn Barit, “Beauty Queen” by Myra Aquino, “Ang Sadit na Planeta” by Arjanmar H. Rebeta, “Crossing” by Marc Misa, “Kawatan Sa Salog” by Ralph John Velasco, “Looking For Rafflesias and Other Fleeting Things” by James Fajardo, “Out of Body” by Enrico Po, “The Dust in Your Place” by David Olson, “Ang Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa” by Kevin Jay Ayson, “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Lola Mayumi” by Shiri Francesca D. De Leon, “Ate OG” by Kevin Mayuga, and “Namnama en Lolang” by Jonnie Lyn Dasalla.
Starting this year, a principal breakthrough for upcoming Cinemalaya finalists is the Film Lab, which is an opportunity to learn from professionals and experts in the industry and the different aspects of filmmaking. The project will help and guide the finalists develop their skills in scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, performance, editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and promotion strategies
Co-produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cinemalaya 2021 will have a month-long run starting Aug. 6, 2021. Along with the festivities is Cinemalaya’s vision to revitalize its education initiatives, offering a number of masterclasses by the Institute itself.