ILOILO CITY – After the Covid-19 pandemic and a smaller edition last year, the CineKasimanwa: Western Visayas Film Festival is back.
This year’s edition of CineKasimanwa, the brainchild of Ilonggo director Elvert Bañares, is a two-leg film festival – the December and January screening that coincides with the Dinagyang Festival 2024.
Festival director Noel de Leon said the highlight of CineKasimanwa is the homecoming of “John Denver Trending” which was named Best Film at the 2019 Cinemalaya: the Philippine Independent Film Festival.
The film directed by Arden Rod Condez, who hails from Antique and shot entirely in the province, will be screened at the SM Cinema in SM City Iloilo.
Jansen Magpusao, a neophyte actor from Pandan, Antique, was named Best Actor for his role in the movie.
The film about a teenage boy who becomes a cyber bullying victim was also awarded Best in Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Original Music Score in the 2019 Cinemalaya.
CineKasimanwa Festival Coordinator Kyle Fermindoza said other films will also be screened – “Modyul, Modyul Lang” by Maria JC Emmanuelle O. Momblon, “Inunga-Unga” by Doxford D. Perlas, “Sa Tanan Nga Makita kag Indi Makita” by Glydel Beatioula, “Tigbatas” by Vincent Montaño, “Pag-ulikid” by Seb Valdez, “Gugma” by Mary Grace Sta. Cruz, “Sa Bilog nga Kahon” by Marcelo Tolentino IV, “Nalipatan Mo Na 'Ku” by Relwen Clyde Magbanua, “Blindfolds” by Jomat Rimpus, “Mga Aningal sa Tagu-angkan” by Rovic Lopez, and “Bilog ang Bulan” by Tin Velasco.
This year’s edition of CineKasimanwa is presented by Western Visayas Filmmakers Network, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 6, UPV Cinematheque, E Unlimited, KasingKasing Press, Solar Films, and SM Supermalls Cinema.