Cinemalaya takes flight

“There is really a wonderful mix of the older and the younger generations of actors and filmmakers.

By now, movie lovers, filmmakers, art enthusiasts and other people of different fields and persuasions have come to anticipate the Cinemalaya: Philippine Independent Film Festival when the monsoon rains come.

After 14 years, Cinemalaya has emerged as arguably the best and most anticipated film event in the country. The festival has blossomed to be a veritable showcase of new voices and visions even as it stimulates the soul and senses with an exciting repertoire of related events and activities. It has transformed the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the founder and main organizer, into a commune for the cinematic arts, as well as a lively space for discussions and passions.

This year’s festival, which happens from 3 to 12 August 2018 at various venues of the CCP and selected Ayala Cinemas, will again prove its allure and influence. The 2018 theme, “Wings of Vision,” underscores how the festival soared and its role in many filmmakers’ power of flight.

Chris Millado, CCP vice president and artistic director, said, “Nagsimula ito na nagbigay pakpak sa mga panaginip ng karamihan sa ating filmmakers. Ang Cinemalaya ang nagbigay paraan upang lumipad o pumaimbulog ang mga imahenasyon ng ating mga filmmakers (It started by giving wing to the dreams of many of our filmmakers. Cinemalaya provided the means for the imagination of filmmakers to soar and reach new heights).”

This year, another set of filmmakers will be given the chance, and it is a diverse set. Also, more and more prominent, mainstream actors are getting involved in Cinemalaya films.

Laurice Guillen, president of Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., is glad to see senior actors, particularly actors of her generation, in the films.

“There is really a wonderful mix of the older and the younger generations of actors and filmmakers,” she said.

“Cinemalaya’s 14th edition coincides with developments in our film industry, which sees a significant increase in new filmmakers…new filmmakers whose films have modest and huge success in the box-office, and in particular, the presence of new female filmmakers whose works are not only enjoying box-office success, but are also creating trends and standards that sit well with audiences,” Guillen noted.

“Our new films this year, interestingly enough, have a variety of themes and subjects, even genres—Martial Law, comedy, psycho-drama….Films are diversifying and the Cinemalaya community is growing.”

There will be 10 full-length films and 10 short films in the main competition.

The competing full-length entries are Distance by Percival Intalan; Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset) by Carlo Enciso Catu; Kuya Wes by James Robin Mayo; Liway by Kip Oebanda; Mamang by Denise O’Hara; ML by Benedicto Mique Jr.; Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma (Unless the Water is Safer than the Land) by Iar Lionel Arondaing; Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste of Salter Bread and Undies) by Che Espiritu; School Service by Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio; and The Lookout by Afi Africa.

Meanwhile, the 10 short films are “Babylon” by Keith Deligero; “Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month” by Carlo Francisco Manatad; “Kiko” by Jojo Driz; “Logro” Kani Villaflor; “Nangungupahan (Who Rents There Now?)” by Glenn Barit; “Sa Saiyang Isla (In His Island)” by Christian Candelaria; “Si Astri maka Si Tambulah (Astri and Tambulah)” by Xeph Suarez; “Siyudad sa Bulawan (City of Gold)” by Jarell Serencio; “Yakap” by Mika Fabella and Rafael Froilan Jr.; and “You, Me and Mr. Wiggles” by Jav Velasco.

Aside from the main competition, Cinemalaya offers other regular sections: “Dokyu,” the documentary section; “Best of the Festivals,” which showcases the best films from local festivals; “Indie Nation,” a special section featuring independent films; “Visions of Asia,” featuring award-winning Asian and Netpac films.

There will also be a showcase of the final projects of the Directing and Production Management workshops under the 4th Cinemalaya Institute.

Cinemalaya will pay tribute to actor-filmmaker Maryo J. Delos Reyes through a special screening of his best films Bagets and Magnifico; and to actor Bernardo Bernardo by showing Manila by Night by Ishmael Bernal. The “Retrospective” section will feature the 2017 Cinemalaya Best Film Respeto by Treb Monteras, and Baconaua by Joseph Israel Laban who won Best Director.

The 30th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the Southeast region, will once again harvest the best of the best, with films competing in various categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary and Animation. Pre-selected entries will be screened from 4 to 6 August at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater).

The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of Cinemalaya, is slated for 7 and 8 August at the Silangan Hall. The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on 12 August at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has continued to discover, encourage and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics and art films.

“The CCP understands the importance of films. There is also a need to create films with compelling narratives that will help in nation-building, films that promote our national identity,” CCP president Nick Lizaso said. “This is the reason Cinemalaya continues to be relevant to today’s generation of Filipino audience.”

For more information, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya Facebook page or call CCP Media Arts at telephone number 832-1125 local 1704 and 1712 and the CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

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