Not even a looming typhoon could stop the local cinephile scene from gathering together for the annual Cinemalaya. This year, in its 22nd edition, nine feature-length films and 10 shorts are participating. It follows the theme “Reel Reflections,” with entries reflecting on real moments that...
In a nutshell, “Kaka sa Yawan” takes a simple idea and lets it breathe. In his first Cinemalaya feature, director Alpha Habon follows the friendship between Niko, a young man from Manila, and Ayan, a Tadyawan Mangyan boy. Played by Beaver Magtalas and Benedix Ramos, with Queenay also in the...
“In the kingdom of the crazy, the weird is Queen!” I made up that quote, just so I could use it to open this review of the film "Mag-Iina." A gothic family melodrama that stretches over four generations, and takes place in one derelict mansion, the Cinemalaya entry reminded me of such films as...
Let us put it out there pronto: “Enjoy Your Stay” is a difficult watch. It should come with a disclaimer. Those who think they’re in for a mellifluous drama will be terribly disappointed. In fact, there are moments when you forget you are watching a movie at all. It feels like real life...
Around these parts, it is easy to get lost in the daily cycle of politics. A new controversy trends. Another public debate takes over social media. Another headline pushes everything else aside. Thankfully, somewhere in the middle of all that noise, a healthy, happy diversion. Filipino filmmakers...
For its 22nd edition, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival opens and closes with two internationally acclaimed independent films that reflect the complexity of the Filipino experience. The opening film, "Enjoy Your Stay," explores a mother 's enduring love for her daughter,...
Award-winning animated documentary "58th" will finally have its Philippine premiere at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival following a successful run in international film festivals. Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, the film is scheduled to screen on Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m. at the...
Filipinos have long been known as the silent driving force of the animation industry. Many of the animated shows we’ve enjoyed over the years often had scenes drawn by several artists based here. Often, local animation studios handle the in-between animation for multiple series. These days,...
For 22 years, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has championed fearless storytelling and nurtured generations of Filipino filmmakers whose works challenge, inspire, and provoke meaningful conversations. This year, the country’s premier independent film festival returns with a...
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...
Queer women, stay winning. “Open Endings” was recently released in cinemas nationwide for its theatrical run. After its successful screening during Cinemalaya 2025, we decided to revisit the film to see how it holds up. Under the direction of Nigel Santos, “Open Endings” follows the story...
Cinemalaya is just about ready to wrap up and has had quite a successful run. Its 10 feature-length films and 10 short films each had their time to shine throughout the week in participating venues (Shangri-la Plaza, Gateway Mall, and select Ayala Malls). Here’s a quick recap on how we felt about...
