The 19th edition of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival officially opened tonight, 4 August, at the grand lobby of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
It was followed by a screening of Quark Henares’ award-winning film, “Marupok AF,” at Cinema Rizal.
“Cinemalaya XIX: ilumiNasyon” runs until 13 August, with Dwein Ruedas Baltazar’s “Third World Romance” as its closing film.
Ten full-length films and 10 short films will vie for top honors in their respective categories. Aside from Cinema Rizal, screenings are scheduled at other PICC meeting rooms, such as Cinema Bonifacio, Felipe and Palma.
The competing films will also be screened at Ayala Malls Manila Bay’s Cinema 9, Glorietta Mall’s Cinema 3, Trinoma Cinema 1 and UP Town Center Cinema 3.
Special events, on the other hand, will be held at PICC’s adjacent venue, Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (also known as CCP Black Box Theatre).
The 10 full-length feature film entries are: “Maria” by Sheryl Rose Andes; “When This is All Over” by Kevin Mikhail Mayuga; “Rookie” by Samantha Lee; “Ang Duyan ng Magiting” by Dustin Celestino; “As If It’s True” by John Rogers; “Gitling” by Jopy Arnaldo; “Huling Palabas” by Ryan Espinosa;
“Bulawan Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer)” by Kenneth dela Cruz; “Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing)” by Carlo Joseph Papa; and “Tether” by Gian Arre.
The 10 short film entries are: “Ang Kining Binalaybay Kag Ambahanon Ko Para Sa Imo” by Kent John Desamparado; “Golden Bells” by Kurt Soberano; “Hinakdal” by Arvin Belarmino; “HM HM MHM” by Sam Villa-real and Kim Timan; “Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019” by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; “Maudi Nga Arapaap (Last Dream)” by Daniel James Magayon; “Makoko sa Baybay” by Mike Cabales; “Sibuyas ni Perfecto (Perfecto’s Onion)” by Januar Yap; “Sota” by Mae Tanagon; and “Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-Snow sa Pinas” by Joshua Caesar Medroso.