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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Cinemalaya 2026 unveils nine full-length, 10 short film finalists for 22nd festival

Cinemalaya 2026 unveils nine full-length, 10 short film finalists for 22nd festival

Published Jul 9, 2026 07:35 pm

At A Glance

  • The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has announced the nine full-length and 10 short films competing in its 22nd edition, set to run from August 6 to 16 across Metro Manila cinemas.

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has unveiled the official lineup of films competing in its 22nd edition, with nine full-length features and 10 short films set to vie for top honors when the festival returns from August 6 to 16.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., marking another year for one of the country's premier showcases of independent Filipino cinema.

This year's festival carries the theme "Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections," which explores cinema as a mirror of the Filipino experience. According to the organizers, the selected entries reflect the realities, aspirations, struggles, and triumphs that shape contemporary Filipino life through stories centered on identity, family, memory, resilience, justice, love, and other pressing social issues.

Red Carpet Cinemas at Shangri-La Plaza will once again serve as the festival's main venue, while Ayala Malls cinemas and Gateway Cineplex will also host screenings across Metro Manila.

Competing in the Full-Length category are "A.ni.mál" by Dustin Celestino, "2 Valid IDs" by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz, "Ganggang" by JL Burgos, "Hand of God" by Mark Duane Angos, "Mag-iina" by Giancarlo Abrahan and Guelan Luarca, "Kaka sa Yawan" by Alpha Habon, "Status: Rejected" by Vahn Leinard Pascual, "Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam" by David Corpuz, and "Tirik" by May-i Guia Padilla.

Meanwhile, the Short Film competition will feature "Elenita Elene Elaine" by Gabriela Serrano, "Honey, My Love, So Sweet" by JT Trinidad, "Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!" by Norvin de los Santos, "Kung Paano Kakalas" by Joseph Vitali, "Para-paraan" by Mae Chan Li, "Runo!" by Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña, "Silkscreen" by Rey Anthony Villaverde, "Sorbetes" by Jennissie Gilbuena, "The Keeper" by Nolan Rae Fabular and TRNZ, and "The River Flows in Different Places" by Lot-lot Hermosura.

Running alongside the festival is the 38th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, recognized as Southeast Asia's longest-running independent film competition. The annual competition showcases works in the Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation categories, continuing its mission of supporting emerging filmmakers and championing alternative forms of cinema.

Now on its 22nd year, Cinemalaya remains one of the Philippines' most prestigious independent film festivals, serving as a platform for Filipino filmmakers whose works have gone on to earn acclaim both at home and on the international stage.

Related Tags

Cinemalaya Cinemalaya 2026 Philippine independent films Philippine cinema CCP Cinemalaya Film Festival Filipino filmmakers Independent films Metro Manila Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video
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