The Philippines’ premier independent film festival is back with a stellar lineup.
MANILA — The highly anticipated Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival returns for its 2023 edition, again championing the best Filipino independent cinema. This year’s selections promise diverse narratives, bringing forward both emerging and established filmmakers in the Philippines.
This year, Cinemalaya has curated a selection of ten full-length features and twelve short films. Here are some of the notable entries:
“Maria” by Sheryl Rose Andes
“Maria” is the first full-length documentary in Cinemalaya. In the Philippines, with limited civic and democratic space amid a culture of impunity, three women named Maria are on the journey to seek truth and fight for justice.
“Gitling” by Jopy Arnaldo
A young Filipino translator and a middle-aged Japanese director test the limits of language. They discover the beauty of understanding during the unlikeliest of times: while creating Ilonggo subtitles for the director’s Japanese film. They race to the finish before the film’s festival premiere in Bacolod City.
“Tether” by Gian Arre
After a one-night stand, an arrogant playboy and a timid young woman discover that any kind of pleasure or pain they inflict on themselves is felt simultaneously by the other person.
“Ang Duyan ng Magiting” by Dustin Celestino
The film is a collection of scenes among the protagonists, antagonists, and victims of war, terrorism, and politics in the Philippines.
“Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer)” by Kenneth De La Cruz
After his beloved grandfather’s death, Makoy embarks on an expedition to a mystical mountain in search of the golden deer with the power to grant wishes. He befriends a spirited young boy who joins him in the quest for the mythical creature and self-discovery.
Additionally, the short film category brings a mix of genres, from comedy to horror, reflecting the rich tapestry of Filipino storytelling.
Cinemalaya 2023 kicks off on August 5 and runs until August 14. Here are some key dates to remember:
- August 5: Opening Ceremony at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) with a screening of the festival’s opening film, “Mga Anino ng Kahapon.”
- August 7-13: Film screenings at CCP theaters and select cinemas nationwide.
- August 10: A panel discussion with filmmakers at the CCP Little Theater.
- August 14: Awards night, where the best films will be recognized in various categories.
Screening tickets can be purchased at the CCP box office or online via the Cinemalaya official website. Given the pandemic’s impact on public gatherings, Cinemalaya 2023 also offers virtual screenings online for those who prefer to watch from the safety of their homes.
Festival fans can also look forward to Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors after select screenings.
Cinemalaya 2023 continues its tradition of fostering Filipino creativity, bringing the country’s independent cinematic gems to the forefront. Whether a film enthusiast or a casual movie-goer, this year’s lineup promises something for everyone.