The partnership between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc has been renewed in collaboration with Ayala Malls Cinemas, marking an exciting development for this year’s edition of the Cinemalaya Philippines Independent Film Festival. This strategic alliance aims to bring the festival closer to ardent film enthusiasts and extend its reach to broader audiences.
As the festival enters its 19th year, a remarkable lineup of cinematic gems will grace the screens during the competition period, which spans from August 5 to 13, 2023. Audiences can immerse themselves in the captivating narratives at multiple locations, including Glorietta, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, UP Town Center, and Trinoma.
Guided by the thematic thread of “ilumiNasyon” the competition section will feature 10 compelling full-length films that promise to captivate hearts and minds. Among the titles contending for recognition are: “ANG DUYAN NG MAGITING (THE CRADLE OF THE BRAVE)” directed by Dustin Celestino; “AS IF IT’S TRUE” by John Rogers; “BULAWAN NGA USA (GOLDEN DEER)” helmed by Kenneth De la Cruz; “GITLING” crafted by Jopy Arnaldo; “HULING PALABAS (FIN)” by Ryan Espinosa Machado; “ITI MAPUKPUKAW (THE MISSING)” from the creative mind of Carl Joseph E. Papa; “MARIA” directed by She Andes; “ROOKIE” co-directed by Samantha Lee and Natts Jadaone; “TETHER” envisioned by Gian Arre; and “WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER” by Kevin Mayuga.
The short film category will also dazzle audiences with its artistry and innovation. Noteworthy contenders in this section include: “ANG KINING BINALAYBAY KAG AMBAHANON KO PARA SA IMO (THESE RHYMES AND RHYTHMS MEANT FOR YOU)” by Kent John D. Desamparado; “GOLDEN BELLS” directed by Kurt Soberano; “HINAKDAL (CONDEMNED)” crafted by Arvin Belarmino; “HM HM MHM” brought to life by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan; “KOKURYO: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BB. UNDAS 2019” by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; “MAKOKO SA BAYBAY (I AM GOING TO THE BEACH)” envisioned by Mike Cabarles; “MAUDI NGA ARAPAAP (LAST DREAM)” created by Daniel Magayon; “SIBUYAS NI PERFECTO (PERFECTO’S ONION)” directed by Januar Yap; “SOTA (HORSE CARETAKER)” skillfully helmed by Mae Tanagon; and “TONG ADLAW NGA NAG-SNOW SA PINAS (THE DAY IT SNOWED IN THE PHILIPPINES)” by Joshua Caesar Medroso.
The festival will commence with an enthralling opening gala program on August 5, Saturday, at 4pm, hosted at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The grand event will be followed by the screening of “Iti Mapukpukaw.” Distinguished figures from the film industry, including Cinemalaya festival director Chris Millado, Cinemalaya Competition and Monitoring Committee chair direk Jose Javier Reyes, film director Carl Joseph Papa, and actress Dolly de Leon, are expected to grace the occasion with their presence.
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival aficionados can seize this cinematic extravaganza from August 4 to 13, 2023, with screenings held at PICC, Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez, and select Ayala Malls.
For comprehensive details, stay connected with the official websites of CCP and Cinemalaya. Stay updated on the latest developments by following CCP and Cinemalaya on their official social media accounts across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. To secure your tickets, festival passes and tickets are available for purchase at the CCP Box Office, situated at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater), as well as via TicketWorld.
