Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival

The Cinemalaya, officially the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month of August, traditionally at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, but in recent years[timeframe?] the Festival screenings also extend to various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of Filipino independent films.[1] The film festival is organized by the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. with the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Econolink Investments, Inc.

Cinemalaya
LocationPasay, Philippines
Founded2005
Most recentCinemalaya 2023
Hosted byCinemalaya Foundation Inc.
LanguageEnglish, Filipino, and other Philippine languages
Websitewww.cinemalaya.org

Each year, the festival provides "seed investments" to the independent filmmakers who become the finalists of the festival's full-length category. In the beginning, the seed grant amounted to ₱500,000 (US$10,000~) per film. In 2019, it was increased to ₱1,000,000 (US$20,000~). In 2023, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) matched this amount, bringing the total to ₱2,000,000 (US$40,000~). The finalists of the short film category received a total of ₱100,000 (US$1,785~) each[clarification needed] for their finished films. These finalists are chosen from hundreds of submissions from all over the Philippines. Their films debut at the festival along with various out-of-competition works.[2]

The organizing committee, headed by veteran Filipino director and actress Laurice Guillen, oversees the production of the films and the festival.[3]

In 2023, the festival was held from August 4 to August 13, at the Philippine International Convention Center and in select mall cinemas.[4]

The Festival

edit

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film competition and festival that supports Filipino filmmakers. Each year, ten new filmmakers are given a seed grant in order to create their film. These films, along with ten short films under the Short Feature Category, are then featured in the film festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) every August and compete for the Balanghai Award. An array of exhibition films are also shown at the CCP.

In addition to the screenings, the festival includes a variety of other film-related events such as book launches, talkbacks with filmmakers, and "Cinemalaya Conversations", where students and aspiring filmmakers talk to special guests about filmmaking and production. Also an integral part of the festival is the Cinemalaya Campus, a conference that looks at all aspects of independent filmmaking and distribution.

In 2010, the festival separated the full-length entries to two separate competitions: The Directors' Showcase and the New Breed section. The five feature-film entries competed under the Directors' Showcase which are presented by veteran film directors of the country. The other ten feature-film entries competed under the New Breed section, and are presented by first-time or young filmmakers. The Short Film section also had ten competing entries.

During the 2015 awards ceremony, The Cinemalaya Foundation announced that for its 12th edition there would two competitions: the main competition (Full Length Feature) and the short film features.[5]

New Breed

edit
Year Best Film Best Direction Special Jury Prize Best Actress Best Actor
2005 Pepot Artista
by Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.
Rica Arevalo
(ICU Bed #7)
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros by Auraeus Solito Meryll Soriano
(Room Boy)
Eddie Garcia
(ICU Bed #7)
2006 Tulad ng Dati by Mike Sandejas Ron Bryant (Rotonda) Batad: Sa Paang Palay by Benji Garcia and Vic Acedillo Jr. Angel Aquino (Donsol) Alchris Galura (Batad)
2007 Tribu by Jim Libiran Auraeus Solito (Pisay) Endo by Jade Castro Ina Feleo (Endo) The ensemble of (Tribu)
2008 Jay by Francis Xavier Pasion Chris Martinez (100) Brutus by Tara Illenberger Mylene Dizon (100) Baron Geisler (Jay)
2009 Last Supper No. 3
by Veronica Velasco
GB Sampedro (Squalor) Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin Yapan Colorum by Jobin Ballesteros Ina Feleo (Sanglaan) Lou Veloso (Colorum)
2010 Halaw by Sheron Dayoc Sheron Dayoc (Halaw) Sampaguita, National Flower by Francis Xavier Pasion Lovi Poe (Mayohan) John Arcilla (Halaw)
2011 Ang Babae sa Septic Tank by Marlon Rivera Marlon Rivera
(Ang Babae sa Septic Tank)
Niño by Loy Arcenas Eugene Domingo
(Ang Babae sa Septic Tank)
Edgar Allan Guzman (Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me)
2012 Diablo by Mes de Guzman Mes de Guzman (Diablo) Requieme by Loy Arcenas Ama Quiambao (Diablo) Kristoffer King (Oros)
2013 Transit by Hannah Espia Hannah Espia (Transit) Quick Change by Eduardo Roy Jr. Irma Adlawan (Transit) Mimi Juareza
(Quick Change)
2014 Bwaya by Francis Xavier Pasion Giancarlo Abrahan V (Dagitab) K'na The Dreamweaver by Ida Anita Del Mundo Eula Valdez (Dagitab) Dante Rivero
(1st ko si 3rd)

Directors' Showcase

edit
Year Best Film Best Direction Special Jury Prize Best Actress Best Actor
2010 Donor by Mark Meily Gil Portes (Two Funerals) Two Funerals by Gil Portes Meryll Soriano (Donor) Baron Geisler (Donor)
2011 Bisperas by Jeffrey Jeturian Auraeus Solito (Busong) *no winner Raquel Villavicencio
(Bisperas)
Bembol Roco (Isda)
2012 Posas by Lawrence Fajardo Raymond Red
(Kamera Obskura)
Kamera Obskura by Raymond Red Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, and Janice de Belen (Mga Mumunting Lihim) Eddie Garcia (Bwakaw)
2013 Sana Dati by Jerrold Tarog Jerrold Tarog (Sana Dati) Ekstra by Jeffrey Jeturian Vilma Santos (Ekstra) *no winner
2014 Kasal by Joselito Altarejos Mike Tuviera (The Janitor) Hari ng Tondo by Carlos Siguion-Reyna Nora Aunor (Hustisya) Robert Arevalo
(Hari ng Tondo)

Main Competition (Full-Length Features)

edit
Year Best Film Best Direction Special Jury Prize Best Actress Best Actor
2016[6] Pamilya Ordinaryo by Eduardo Roy Jr. Eduardo Roy Jr.
(Pamilya Ordinaryo)
Mercury is Mine by Jason Paul Laxamana Hasmine Killip (Pamilya Ordinaryo) Tommy Abuel
(Dagsin)
2017[7] Respeto by Treb Monteras Joseph Israel Laban
(Baconaua)
Baconaua by Joseph Israel Laban Angeli Bayani
(Bagahe)
Noel Comia Jr.
(Kiko Boksingero)
2018[8] Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon by Carlo Enciso Catu Che Espiritu
(Pan de Salawal)
Pan de Salawal by Che Espiritu Ai-Ai Delas Alas
(School Service )
Eddie Garcia
(ML)
2019[9] John Denver Trending by Arden Rod Condez Eduardo Roy Jr.
(Fuccbois)
Edward by Thop Nazareno Ruby Ruiz
(Iska)
Jansen Magpusao
(John Denver Trending)
2022[10] The Baseball Player by Carlo Obispo Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan
(Blue Room)
Blue Room by Ma-an Asuncion Dagñalan Max Eigenmann
(12 Weeks)
Tommy Alejandrino
(The Baseball Player)
2023[11] Iti Mapukpukaw by Carl Joseph E. Papa Ryan Espinosa Machado
(Huling Palabas)
Ang Duyan ng Magiting by Dustin Celestino Pat Tingjuy
(Rookie)
Mikoy Morales
(Tether)
2024[12] Tumandok by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay Jaime Pacena II (Kono Basho) Alipato at Muog by JL Burgos Marian Rivera (Balota) & Gabby Padilla (Kono Basho) Enzo Osorio (The Hearing)

Short films

edit
Year Best Film Special Jury Prize Best Direction Best Screenplay Audience Choice Award
2005 Mansyon by Joel Ruiz Kultado by Lawrence Fajardo Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Babae) Pam Miras (Blood Bank) *not awarded
2006 Orasyon by Rommel Tolentino Kwarto by Jose Maria Emmanuel Taylo Jeck Cogama (Putot) Hubert Tibi (Parang Pelikula) *not awarded
2007 Rolyo by Alvin Yapan Nineball by Enrico Aragon Emmanuel Dela Cruz (Gabon) Vic Acedillo (To Ni) Doble Vista by Nisha Alicer and Nix Lañas
2008 Andong by Rommel Tolentino My Pet by Anna Bigornia Mark Reyes (God Only Knows) Rommel Tolentino (Andong) God Only Knows by Mark Reyes
2009[13] Bonsai by Borgy Torre Blogog by Rommel Tolentino Dexter Cayanes (Musa) Mark Phillip Espina (Behind Close Doors) Tatang by Jean Paolo Hernandez
2010[14] Wag Kang Titingin by Pam Miras P by Rommel Tolentino Rommel Tolentino (P) Mikhail Red (The Barriers) P by Rommel Tolentino
2011[15] Walang Katapusang Kwarto by Emerson Reyes Hanapbuhay by Henry Frejas Rommel Tolentino (Niño Bonito) Emerson Reyes (Walang Katapusang Kwarto) Walang Katapusang Kwarto by Emerson Reyes
2012[16] Victor by Jarell Serencio Manenaya by Richard Legaspi Sheron Dayoc (Mientras su Durmida) Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Ang Paghihintay sa Bulong) Ruweda by Hannah Espia
2013[17] The Houseband's Wife by Paulo O'Hara Taya by Adi Bontuyan JE Tiglao(Onang) Paulo O'Hara(The Houseband's Wife) Taya by Adi Bontuyan
2014[18] Asan si Lolo Me? by Sari Estrada The Ordinary Things We Do by David R. Corpuz Kevin Ang (Lola) Kevin Ang (Lola) Lola by Kevin Ang
2015[19] Pusong Bato by Martika Ramirez Escobar Wawa by Anj Macalanda Petersen Vargas (Lisyun qng Geografia) Darwin Novicio (Papetir) Sanctissima by Kenneth Dagatan
2016[6] Pektus by Isabel Quesada Fish Out of Water by Mon A.L. Garilao Mon A.L. Garilao (Fish Out of Water) Isabel Quesada (Pektus) Forever Natin by Cyrus Valdez
2017[7] Hilom by P.R. Patindol Fatima Marie Torres and the Invasion of Space Shuttle Pinas 25 by Carlo Francisco Manatad E. del Mundo (Manong ng Pa-Aling) Joseph Israel Laban (Bawod) Nakauwi Na by Marvin Cabangunay and Jaynus Olaivar
2018[8] Jodilerks dela Cruz by Carlo Manatad Astri Maki Si Tambulah by Xeph Suarez Xeph Suarez (Astri Maki Si Tambulah) Christian Candelaria (Sa Saiyang Isla) Kiko by Jojo Driz
2019[9] Wag Mo Kong Kausapin by Josef Dielle Gacutan Tembong by Shaira Advincula Don Senoc (Sa Among Agwat) Gilb Baldoza (Kontrolado ni Girly Ang Buhay Niya) Heist School Julius Renomeron Jr.
2020[20] Tokwifi by Carla Pulido Ocampo Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos by Joanna Vasquez Arong Martika Ramirez Escobar (Living Things) Hubert Tibi (Pabasa Kan Pasyon) Quing Lalam Ning Aldo by Reeden Fajardo
2021[21] Beauty Queen by Myra Aquino An Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta Kyle Nieva (Kids of Fire) Kyle Nieva (Kids of Fire) An Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta
2022[22] Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay Dikit by Gabriela Serrano Gabriela Serrano (Dikit) Zig Dulay (Black Rainbow) Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Baras by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay & Richard Jeroui Salvadico
2023[23] Sibuyas ni Perfecto by Januar Yap Hm Hm MhM by Sam Villa-real and Kim Timan Mike Cabarles (Makoko Sa Baybay) Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero (Hinakdal) Hinakdal by Arvin Belarmino
2024[12][24] Cross My Heart and Hope to Die by Sam Manacsa Pamalandong sa Danow by Breech Asher Harani Sam Manacsa (Cross My Heart and Hope to Die) Sonny Calvento (Primetime Mother) Primetime Mother by Sonny Calvento

References

edit
  1. ^ "Inq7.net:Global Nation". Archived from the original on October 13, 2005.
  2. ^ "Cinemalaya 19 gives biggest seed grant in its history". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  3. ^ "PEP EXCLUSIVE: Robbie Tan explains why MNL 143 was disqualified from Cinemalaya 2012". Pep.ph. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  4. ^ "Philippines Independent Film Festival Cinemalaya 2023 Returns To Manila". Music Press Asia. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "CINEMALAYA 2015 WINNERS AND CINEMALAYA 2016 FINALISTS NAMED". Cinemalaya.org. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  6. ^ a b "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2016 awards night". Rappler.com. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  7. ^ a b "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2017". Rappler.com. August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  8. ^ a b "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2018". Rappler.com. August 12, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2019". Rappler.com. August 11, 2019. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  10. ^ "'The Baseball Player,' 'Blue Room' triumph at Cinemalaya 2022". Rappler.com. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  11. ^ "'Iti Mapukpukaw' tops Cinemalaya 2023 with 3 wins including Best Film". ABS-CBN News. August 13, 2023.
  12. ^ a b Gonzales, Angelo (August 11, 2024). "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2024". Rappler. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Jocelyn Dimaculangan; Leo Laparan II. "Cinemalaya 2009 winners receive Balanghai trophies and cash prizes". Pep.ph. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  14. ^ "Cinemalaya 2010 names best films". News.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  15. ^ Evangelista, Katherine (July 24, 2011). "Cinemalaya 2011 awards winners bared". Entertainment.inquirer.net. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  16. ^ "Cinemalaya 2012 winners unveiled; four actresses receive Best Ensemble award". Pep.ph. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  17. ^ "List of Winners of Cinemalaya 2013 | Cinemalaya". Archived from the original on February 11, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  18. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya Awards Night 2014". Rappler. August 10, 2014. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  19. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya Awards Night 2015". Rappler. August 15, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  20. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2019". August 11, 2019.
  21. ^ "LIST: Cinemalaya 2021 winners; films now available for streaming". Philstar Global. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  22. ^ "Cinemalaya 2022 winners: 'The Baseball Player' wins Best Film; 'Blue Room' bags 5 titles". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  23. ^ "'Iti Mapukpukaw' tops Cinemalaya 2023 with 3 wins including Best Film". ABS-CBN News. August 13, 2023.
  24. ^ Antonio, Josiah (August 11, 2024). "'Tumandok' leads Cinemalaya 2024 winners". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
edit