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Cinemalaya 2026: What you need to know

Jefferson Fernando··1 MIN READ

Cinemalaya 2026: What you need to know

Cinemalaya 2026, the 22nd edition of the Philippine Independent Film Festival

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The country’s premier celebration of independent filmmaking returns as the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival unfolds from 6 to 18 August 2026, inviting audiences to experience a fresh collection of stories from some of the nation’s most promising filmmakers.

With the theme “Reel Reflections,” this year’s festival presents 19 official competition entries—composed of nine full-length feature films and 10 short films—all competing for the coveted Balanghai Awards. The selections explore a wide range of themes, from family relationships and identity to social realities, justice, and the complexities of modern Filipino life.

As the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Building continues its redevelopment, festival screenings will be held across partner cinemas in Metro Manila, making the films more accessible to moviegoers throughout the capital.

The festival will conclude with the Balanghai Awards Night on August 17, honoring the year’s outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking.

Screening venues

  • Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza (Festival Hub)

  • Gateway Mall Cineplex 18

  • Ayala Malls Manila Bay

  • Ayala Malls Circuit

  • Ayala Malls Glorietta

  • Ayala Malls Market! Market!

  • Ayala Malls TriNoma

Official full-length competition entries

  • A.ni.mal – Directed by Dustin Celestino

  • 2 Valid IDs – Directed by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz

  • Ganggang – Directed by JL Burgos

  • Hand of God – Directed by Mark Duane Angos

  • Mag-iina – Directed by Giancarlo Abrahan

  • Kaka sa Yawan (Brothers by the River) – Directed by Alpha Habon

  • Status: Rejected – Directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual

  • Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam (Only Known to Us) – Directed by David Corpuz

  • Tirik – Directed by May-I Badilla

Short film competition

The festival also showcases 10 short film finalists, grouped into Shorts A and Shorts B programs. These films present diverse perspectives through experimental storytelling, intimate narratives, and socially relevant subjects.

Festival highlights

  • August 6 – Opening ceremonies

  • August 7 – Gala screenings begin, featuring Ganggang, Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam, and the first short film program

  • Special events – Book launches and activities celebrating Philippine cinema and screenwriting

  • August 17 – Balanghai Awards Night

  • August 18 – Final day of festival screenings

Now on its 22nd edition, Cinemalaya continues its mission of championing original Filipino storytelling by providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers whose works challenge, inspire, and reflect the realities of contemporary Philippine society.