The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. have announced the ten competing films in this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
From 192 submissions, the 10 finalists are: Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-snow Sa Pinas by Joshua Caesar Medroso; HM HM MHM by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan; Golden Bells by Kurt Soberano; Hinakdal by Arvin Belarmino; Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019 by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; Ang Kining Binalaybay kag Ambahanon ko para sa imo by Kent John Desamparado; Maudi Nga Arapaap (Last Dream) by Daniel James Magayon; Makoko Sa Baybay by Mike Cabarles; Sibuyas Ni Perfecto (Perfecto’s Onion) by Januar Yap; and Sota by Mae Tanagon.
The participating short films explore a variety of human experiences, including a zombie tale, family adventure, coming-of-age diaries, LGBT narrative, and a documentary about horse caregivers, displaying various styles and approaches.
The ten participating short films will be presented during the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which will take place from August 4 to 13, 2023, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) inside the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
During the Cinemalaya Awards Night on August 13, the best short feature film will get a cash reward of Php150,000 as well as a Balanghai trophy.
Now in its 19th year, the Cinemalaya is an all-digital film competition that aims to discover, encourage, and support the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.
