As Cinemalaya prepares to premiere this year’s contenders in both the Full-Length and Short Film categories, we spoke to several filmmakers about how they define success in their craft. We also explored how their participation in the country’s leading independent film festival has shaped and transformed that definition.

Carl Papa, director of ‘The Next 24 Hours’

“To me, success as a filmmaker is actually pretty simple: it’s all about telling your story, being heard, and being seen. As a storyteller, my main goal is to craft a message through film and get it out there. I can only succeed in that if there’s an avenue for people to actually see my films. That’s where something like Cinemalaya comes in. Participating in festivals hasn’t changed my definition of success, but it’s given it a massive boost. It provides that crucial platform for me and other filmmakers to reach a much bigger audience. So, success isn’t just making the film; it’s seeing it connect with the people it was made for. Cinemalaya makes that connection happen.”

Hannah Silvestre, director of ‘Ascension from the Office Cubicle’

“I think success as a filmmaker is being able to stay true to where your creativity leads you in spite of external expectations. Having been lucky enough to take part in this year’s Cinemalaya, my sentiments did not change but rather became more true. Unveiling our little project to the world is a little nerve-wracking and scary but also exciting kasi alam naming ginawa namin ito nang may puso at hindi kami lumihis doon (Because we know we did it with our hearts and we didn’t deviate from that).”