Another batch of new films was recognized at the Cinemalaya 2023 Awards Night held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Sunday, Aug. 13. 

"Iti Mapupukaw" and "Sibuyas ni Perfecto" were among the big winners in the film category both short and full-length features. 

While Mikoy Morales (Tether), Pat Tingjuy (Rookie), Dolly De Leon (Iti Mapukpukaw), and Bon Andrew Lentejas (Ang Huling Palabas) bagged the awards for the acting category. 

"Iti Mapukpukaw" directed by Carl Josep E. Papa is a Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film that follows Eric’s (Carlo Aquino) life as it twists and turns after the arrival of the familiar alien, and the death of his uncle; both of which triggers Eric to remember his past and untangle his memories.

During his speech, director Carl turned emotional as he dedicated the award to all the people who could relate to Eric's character in the film. He also gave thanks to 90 animators who helped him make the film. 

"Maraming salamat Cinemalaya for giving us this award, and gusto ko ibigay ito sa lahat ng mga Eric na inalisan ng bibig at hindi nakapagsalita para sa inyo ito, at nandito kami para makinig. And mabuhay lahat ng 90 animators na bumuo ng pelikula namin, " Carl said.

(Thank you very much Cinemalaya for giving us this award, and I want to dedicate this to all the Erics who were silenced and could not speak, this one's for you, and we are all here to listen. And long live all 90 animators who made our movie)

"Iti Mapukpukaw" also marks the first animated movie to win the award for best film at Cinemalaya. 

“Sibuyas ni Perfecto” received the best film for short film feature. The movie follows the story of Perfecto gets a call from Sir Eddie, asking him to deliver spices and vegetables, his own farm harvest, for the latter’s supposed birthday party. On the long road to his friend’s house, Piktoy cheerfully shares his excitement to people he meets. Only to realize at the end of the day that he missed doing one very important thing. 

CCP Vice-President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan thanked the audience and the Cinemalaya Jury for the making the festival huge success. 

"Your presence here tonight only validates the belief of all those behind the festival that Philippine Cinema is alive. I would like to congratulate and give thanks to filmmakers, it is our hope that you will continue to use the cinematic muse," Dennis Marasigan said. 

For its 19th edition, Cinemalaya returned with on-site screenings of 10 full-length films and 10 short features in competition from Aug. 4 to 13, at the Philippine International Convention Center. 

The full list of winners at Cinemalaya 2023:

Full-Length Film Competition

Audience Choice - Rookie (Samantha Lee) 

Best Sound Design - Tether (Gian Arre) 

Best Original Musical Score - Kindered (When This is All Over) 

Best Production Design - Kaye Banaag (When This is All Over) 

Best Editing - Ilsa Malsi (Rookie) 

Best Cinematography - Martika Ramirez Escobar (When This is All Over) 

Best Screenplay - Jopy Arnaldo (Gitling) 

Best Supporting Actor - Bon Andrew Lentejas (Ang Huling Palabas)

Best Supporting Actress - Dolly de Leon (Iti Mapukpukaw) 

NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award - Iti Mapukpukaw (Carl Josep Papa) 

Best Actor - Mikoy Morales (Tether) 

Best Actress - Pat Tingjuy (Rookie) 

Best Ensemble (Special Jury Award) - Duyan ng Magiting (Dustin Celestino) 

Best Director - Ryan Pachado (Ang Huling Palabas) 

Best Film - Iti Mapukpukaw (Carl Josep Papa) 

Short Film Category 

Audience Choice - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino) 

Best Screenplay - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero) 

NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award - Hinakdal (Arvin Belarmino) 

Special Jury Award (Short film) - Hm Hm Mhm (Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan) 

Best Director - Makoko Sa Baybay (Mike Cabarles) 

Best Film - Sibuyas ni Perfecto (Januar Yap)