A short film can leave a lasting impact despite its abrupt runtime. With Cinemalaya 22, we are presented with 10 shorts, split into two viewings. Each short film may vastly differ from one another but is sure to resonate with viewers in one way or another. Here’s a look at all the shorts and the memories they left in us as we left the theaters.

“Para-Paraan” masterfully captures a day in the life of a wheelchair user and the constant struggles they face to achieve seemingly menial everyday tasks. Long shots allow the viewer to truly feel for Kat Hernandez as she goes about her day. We are shown how even a priority citizen is treated as an afterthought through the inadequate structures supposedly built to cater to their needs. Not even a progressive and well-cared-for city like Pasig or a mall that prides itself as the everyman’s mall are spared from showing their shortcomings. It’s a wonderful wake-up call that everyone should see.

Beautifully animated and such a wholesome story. EDSA as a post-apocalyptic setting is almost immaculate. There are tons of little easter eggs in the different background signages that give a light chuckle. Any dog owner would immediately resonate with the film due to the familiar loyalty and resilience Runo has in finding his owner.

Unusually shot and held in a curious setting of the dying, seedy old theaters of Manila. We are given brief glimpses and subtle hints of the raunchy acts that transpire here. We are also presented with a child’s coming of age, coming to grips with his sexuality. Shots tend to linger a bit longer than one anticipates. If only this same lingering went toward the characters it wants to focus on.

Slow and mundane might not sound enticing, but it’s the repetitive nature and somewhat dreary vibe that show us the careful thought and intricate process silkscreen printing goes through. It also perfectly encapsulates the same calmness one may feel if they ever find themselves visiting Dipolog City, the place where the film is based. It makes for a meditative, trance-like viewing, then hits you with a memorable ending.

Humorous and wholesome depiction of two siblings trying to make ends meet in a soon-to-be-demolished home. They have a cute dynamic, and we are shown the difficulty of the lives they lead. It also feels like a heartfelt tribute to the Philippine jeepney, still enduring despite the lingering threat of being phased out. We wish it could have given a bit more time toward the road trip aspect of the jeepney.

Each frame feels so unique that you feel how every scene was painstakingly worked on by an animator who cares about their craft. Even the background art of trophies splattered across the shelves feels individually drawn to sell the abundance of awards on display. Questions, however, linger about this curious environment. What does this little keeper do, why does she watch and care over these trophies, and how did she come across this responsibility?

As we follow the day of the two children, it essentially feels more like compiled cinematic shots rather than a woven narrative. We are given the bare minimum in understanding their plight. Yet, we can’t deny the masterful framing and lighting that plays out in some scenes. Viewers can truly feel the childish whimsy brought about by a trip to the arcade.

An intriguing look into the day in the life of the Philippines’ very own “Chris Brown.” Humorous glimpses into his ordinary day paint a brilliant picture of his simple life as a sherbet vendor making rounds around Manila. Scenes sometimes feel like overheard conversations along the city’s eskinitas, making the audience feel like a fly on the wall as Chris enjoys the company of others. It makes for a wholesome watch and has you wanting to seek him out to hear more of his tales.

Pretty bisexual lighting paired with retro VHS-esque effects transports us back to the yesteryears of a city pop singer. It perfectly captures that post-midnight vibe that leaves a hypnotic effect on night owls. Its haziness and dream-like sequences leave us in quite the stupor as we see the relationship between an overworked mother and slightly detached daughter play out.

This short documentary marks a perfect end as the stories we hear leave the strongest impact. We hear the direct plight of the people forced to flee to the Philippines as Gaza falls into ruins. Listening to their stories lets you feel exactly how harrowing the ongoing genocide is. It does, however, feel like it can lose the attention of viewers due to the lack of interesting shots. We do see some artworks throughout. Adding more of these artistic visuals could have benefited this tale to ultimately let it sink in further for the audience.