EDITORS DESK
The revival of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival in 2024 marks a triumphant comeback for Filipino cinema after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This exciting return promises to showcase the best of Filipino movies and reignite the passion for local film culture.
Established in 2015, Sinag Maynila is the independent film festival competition founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and Cannes International Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza. It showcases works that banner the “Sine Lokal, Pang-International” advocacy.
“We are thankful to our official partner venues for giving space to our finalist films and supporting our initiative to make the ticket price more affordable,” says Tieng. “Indeed, the cinemas, along with our other supporters such as the City of Manila, are making significant contributions to the development of Philippine independent cinema and the growth of the Filipino film market.”
Tieng mentioned that Sinag Maynila served as a launch pad for some local directors who have since succeeded in the entertainment industry.
“All those who participated and won are now successful directors in teleserye. They are Zig Dulay, Lawrence Fajardo, Adolf Alix, and many others. They have many projects and big projects on TV, and their films are sold abroad in film markets; that's why Sinag Manila is such a big deal,” said Tieng.
Mendoza shared that the core of Sinag Maynila is to provide a platform for Filipino filmmakers to establish their identity at both national and international levels.
“It’s not a joke to show a movie in the cinema, especially if your movies are independently produced and the story is unique. We are not alone; we are not here to compete with other film festivals in the Philippines if we don't [want to ] have more venues for young filmmakers to participate in their films,” he added.
Once again, the festival is set to captivate the cinema with a stunning array of diverse movies. Be thrilled as the following official finalists compete for prestigious awards:
The full-length feature films are “The Gospel of the Beast” by Sheron Dayoc starring Janssen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro; “Her Locket” by J.E. Tiglao starring producer-lead actress Rebecca Chuaunsu and Elora Españo; “Banjo” written, directed and starring Bryan Wong; “Maple Leaf Dreams” written and directed by Benedict Mique and starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos; “What You Did” by Joan Lopez Flores starring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, Mercedes Cabral and Ana Abad Santos; “Salome” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II with Perry Dizon, Tommy Alejandrino, and Dolly de Leon in the cast; and “Talahib” (Legend of the Tall Grass) by Alvin Yapan starring Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio and Kristof Garcia.
The finalists in the documentary category are “Ghosts of Kalantiaw” by Chuck Escasa, “Ino” by Ranniel Semana, “Natatanging Palayok” (The Exceptional Pot) by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas, “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig” (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo, “Panatag” (Tranquil) by Allan Lazaro, “Untitled/ Unfinished” by Matthew Victor Pastor, and “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora.
Finalists in the short film category are “14 Days” by Nars Santos, “Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos” (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena, “As the Moth Flies” by Gayle Oblea, “Bisan Abo Wala Bilin” (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains) by Kyd Torato, “Kiyaw” (Hill Myna) by Jericho Jeriel, “ILO” by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay, “Mananguete” (The Coconut Sap Collector) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, “Ina Bulan” by Melver Ritz L. Gomez, “Sa Paglupad Ka Banong” (The Flight of Banog) by Elvert Bañares, and “Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan.
The following films are going to be unveiled for the first time (world premiere status): “What You Did,” “Talahib,” “Salome,” “Maple Leaf Dreams,” “Banjo,” “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig,” “Ina Bulan,” “Way of the Balisong,” “Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin,” and “Kiyaw.”
Meanwhile, “Untitled/Unfinished” is being shown for the first time outside Australia, its country of origin (international premiere); “As the Moth Flies” is being shown for the first time in Asia (Asian premiere), while “Her Locket” is being shown for the first time in the Philippines (Philippine premiere).
Competition winners will be revealed at the Sinag Maynila Gabi ng Parangal on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater.
The finalist films of the festival are currently being screened in 12 cinemas in Metro Manila from Sept. 4 to 10, 2024. The admission price for each ticket is only ₱200.
This year’s official partner venues include Gateway (two cinemas), Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Manila, SM Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Mesa, and Market Market.
Sinag Maynila 2024 is supported by the City of Manila, the Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Experience the Sinag Maynila 2024 film festival and discover another compelling reason to return to the cinema.
(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)