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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Cinemalaya 21 unveils new faces, stories

Cinemalaya 21 unveils new faces, stories

Published Sep 5, 2025 02:30 pm
Christmas came early for cinemagoers and cinephiles with the launch of the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. 
Held at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, it coincided with the announcement of the top 10 finalists in both the short and full-length categories.
Among fresh offerings in the edition are films that showcase performances from notable actors and newcomers alike.
There's Jackie Lou Blanco in "Paglilitis," Janella Salvador in "Open Endings," JM Ibarra in "Child No. 42," and singer-songwriter Ely Buendia in "Padamlagan."
"Nagulat ako in the sense na I’m not really experienced as an actor, and they would take their chance on a newcomer,” Ely said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Jackie Lou related, "As an actor, there should be no shame kung matanda ka na kasi nga gusto mo gumawa ng pelikula for an organization."
20-month procedure
In her speech, Cinemalaya Foundation President Laurice Guillen shared that the selection process took 20 months, with 336 short film entries and 190 full-length film reviewed before they decided on the final 10.
"At that time, the finalists for the main competition had already passed the entire selection process, which started with a call for entries in November 2023, submission of more than 200 entries, one-on-one interviews and deliberations by a selection committee, which came up with 20 semi-finalists.
“Then there's the three-month film lab, after which the selection committee came up with 10 finalists with finished screenplays, and finally, 20 months for the entire filmmaking process. So yes, the whole process, submission, development to final film took about 20 months,” she shared. 

Aside from the long process, the festival also made a sudden change: From the usual August, they are now staging the festival from Oct. 3-12 at the Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza.
Gateway Cineplex in Araneta will also be participating.
The Ayala malls have been partnering with CCP and Cinemalaya for almost two decades. 
Here is the full list of entries: 
“Bloom Where You are Planted” by Nonilon Abao 
“Child No. 82” by Tim Rone Villanueva
“Cinemartyrs” by Sari Dalena
“Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan” by Dustin Celestino
“Padamlagan” by Jenn Romano
“Paglilitis” by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon
“Open Endings” by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente
“Republika ng Pipolipinas” by Renei Dimla
“Raging” by Ryan Machado
“Warla” by Kevin Alambra
List of short films in competition
“Ascension from the Office Cubicle” by Hannah Silvestre
“Figat” by Handiong Kapuno
“Hasang” by Daniel de la Cruz
“I’m Best Left Inside My Head,” by Elian Idioma
“Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit” by Marie Estela Paiso
“Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod,” by Seth Andrew Blanca
“Please Keep This Copy,” by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta
“Radikals” by Arvin Belarmino
“The Next 24 Hours” by Carl Joseph Papa
“Water Sports” by Whammy Alcazaren
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