LIST: Cinemalaya 2025 full-length and short film entries

With its theme “Layag,” Cinemalaya 2025 holds its media launch on the Edsa Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong. Picture: Cultural Middle of the Philippines

The twenty first version of the Cinemalaya Philippine Unbiased Movie Pageant forges forward with the theme, “layag,” an ode to a ship that continues to sail amid the funding points and different associated issues that just about hampered its return.

The annual movie competition, set to be held from October 3 to 12, will proceed to be a “compass and vessel for filmmakers” aiming to inform tales of “reality, identification, wrestle, and hope,” in keeping with a gap speech by Cultural Middle of the Philippines (CCP) president Kaye Tinga.

“This yr, we’re proud to proceed that custom of daring storytelling. Cinemalaya 21 guarantees one other wave of compelling narratives, all crafted by voices that refuse to be silenced – voices that persist and proceed to rise amid the strongest of unos (disaster),” she stated.

With this in thoughts, here’s a listing of this yr’s Cinemalaya full-length and quick movie entries:

‘Bloom The place You’re Planted’ by Noni Abao

A scene from “Bloom The place You Are Planted.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Set in Cagayan Valley, the documentary facilities on Agnes, Amanda, and Randy, who’re unable to return house. Agnes has been “relentlessly pursued” by the federal government, Amanda is saved between bars, and Randy is killed whereas heading house.

‘Youngster No. 82’ by Tim Rone Villanueva

Forged: JM Ibarra, Rochelle Pangilinan, Inah Evans, Zairene Fernandez, Vhong Navarro, and Kai Montinola.

A scene from “Youngster No 82.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Sixteen-year-old Max is the rumored illegitimate baby of the late Maximo “Boy Kana” Maniego Jr., the most important motion star of Philippine cinema. Max is determined to show that he’s “Boy Kana’s” 82nd baby in hopes of claiming his inheritance for his pregnant teenage girlfriend and their baby — earlier than the clock strikes midnight.

‘Cinemartyrs’ by Sari Dalena

Forged: Nour Hooshmand, Cedrick Juan, Raquel Villavicencio, Angel Aquino, Lav Diaz, Kidlat Tahimik, Ligaya Amilbangsa, Soliman Cruz, Bong Cabrera, Laila Ulao, Giancarlo Abrahan, Iana Bernardez, Nor Domingo, Danny Palisa, Andre Miguel, Victor Medina, Yian Gabriel, Kobe Sanchez, Shane Bernabe, Roven Alejandro, Nelson Dino, Rob Rownd, Dax Alejandro, Air Salazar, Dexter Macaraeg, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, and Rolando Inocencio

A scene from “Cinemartyrs.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Decided to show herself, a younger filmmaker visits war-torn areas to discover the battlegrounds of forgotten massacres within the Philippines. Whereas taking pictures at a “web site the place a thousand males, ladies, and kids had been slaughtered,” the filmmaker unknowingly awakens the offended spirits plaguing the realm.

‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan’ by Dustin Celestino

Forged: Dolly de Leon, Jojit Lorenzo, Zanjoe Marudo, Mylene Dizon

A scene from ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan.’ Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Coming from completely different backgrounds, Kiko (a political strategist), Bea (a historical past professor), David (a “disillusioned” speechwriter), and Mela (an election lawyer) deal with a painful political defeat and the way it could have an effect on their each day lives.

‘Open Endings’ by Keavy Eunice Vicente and Nigel Santos

Forged: Janella Salvador, Klea Pineda, Leanne Mamonong, Jasmine Curtis-Smith

A scene from “Open Endings.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Regardless of their previous romantic histories, queer 30-somethings Hannah, Charlie, Equipment, and Mihan stay lifelong mates. Nonetheless, their friendship will likely be examined when Hannah is “confronted with a choice that adjustments every little thing with out warning.”

‘Padamlagan’ by Jenn Romano

Forged: Ely Buendia, Esteban Mara, Sue Prado, Floyd Tena, Mildren Anne Estela, Frank Peñones

A scene from “Padamlagan.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Set in Naga Metropolis in 1972, Doring finds himself in horror because the historic Colgante Bridge collapses as a result of weight of the group. All hope is misplaced as Martial Regulation is asserted shortly after.

‘Paglilitis’ by Raymund Barcelon and Cheska Marfori

Forged: Rissey Reyes-Robinson, Eula Valdez, Leo Martinez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Sid Lucero, Bombi Plata, Rolando Inocencio, Cherry Malvar, Barbara Miguel

A scene from “Paglilitis.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

A sufferer of sexual assault, Jonalyn Samuel finally finds the power to file a case in opposition to her former employer, who has lengthy established himself because the CEO of one of many greatest firms within the Philippines. Regardless of receiving help from the general public, catastrophe struck when she was framed because the perpetrator as a substitute of the sufferer.

‘Raging’ by Ryan Machado

Forged: Elijah Canlas, Ron Angeles, Reynald Raisel Santos, Glenn Sevilla Mas

A scene from “Raging.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Eli retreats into “silence and isolation” after he was raped by certainly one of his friends within the Nineties. As he tries to return to his regular life, he finds himself going through his abuser by shadows — till witnessing the vanishing of a airplane crash that can change his life utterly.

‘Republika ng Pipolipinas’ by Renei Dimla

Forged: Geraldine Villamil, Alessandra de Rossi, Kakki Teodoro, Natalie Maligalig, JM Salvado, Bon Lentejas, Lian Silverio, Shun Mark Gomez, Mitzi Comia, Yian Gabriel, Brylle Parzuelo, Sigrid Polon, Sisa Bernardo, Antonio Vasquez, Xiao Chua, Chad Kinis

A scene from “Republika ng Pipolipinas.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

In a protest in opposition to the federal government’s plan to take over her land, Cora Vitug established her personal micronation referred to as Republika ng Pipolipinas. Regardless of the federal government’s makes an attempt to grab management of her land, Cora and her folks show that the persons are stronger than these in energy.

‘Warla’ by Kevin Alambra and Arah Badayos

Forged: Jervi Wrightson, Lance Reblando, Serena Magiliw, Valeria Ortega, Jacky Woo, Dimples Romana

A scene from “Warla.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Kitkat was taken in a gaggle of transgender feminine warriors who kidnap overseas foreigners to fund their gender-affirming surgical procedures. She finds belonging within the group, discovering that she has a household outdoors of her personal.

In the meantime, right here is the listing of quick movie entries for the yr:

‘Ascension from the Workplace Cubicle’ by Hannah Silvestre

Forged: Ginger Nolasco, Dads Valencia

A scene from “Ascension from the Workplace Cubicle.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Thelma craves a change of area away from the confined corners of her job’s “oppressive monotony and exploitation.” After assembly a captivating lotto presenter, she turns into obsessive about him, which in the end unravels her day-to-day life.

‘Figat (Tomorrow)’ by Handiong Kapuno

Forged: Aeoli Siagan, Tiffany Pagigian

A scene from “Figat (Tomorrow).” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Kalinga-born Ching-ay brings a way of cultural delight from her hometown after bringing a standard instrument to class.

‘Hasang (Gills)’ by Daniel Dela Cruz

Forged: Igan James Nualda

A scene from “Hasang (Gills).” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

One summer season, Boni was shocked upon witnessing his grandmother remodel right into a tilapia.

‘I’m Left Inside My Head’ by Elian Idioma

Forged: Elian Idioma, Lau Cortes, Aj Prudenciado, Glemuel Rigo, Romnic Calosor, Andrea Idioma

A scene from “I’m Finest Left Inside My Head.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Twenty-something golden boy Alec Dominguez, who was adopted by homosexual philanthropists, reunites together with his previous mates from the Dominguez orphanage — though he notices the best way they convey with him is considerably off.

‘Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit (Objects Do Not Randomly Fall from the Sky)’ by Maria Estela Paiso

Forged: Leonardo Cuaresma, Joel Elejorde, Luis Fontilla, Ranel Madela, Rea Jane Realizo, Noraiza Alog, Moises Dulatre, Sylvia Reyes, Maria Estela Paiso

A scene from “Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit (Objects Do Not Randomly Fall from the Sky).” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Sita and her mom remodel into half-human and half-fish, the place they navigate their tough previous, amid the territorial aggression of China within the West Philippine Sea.

‘Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod (Chilly because the Oceans Run Deep)’ by Seth Andrew Blanca

Forged: Ryan Galleca, Lheo Fernando Fonseca, Anthony Ken Bucasas, Seth Andrew Blanca, Ma. Erica Seidel, Eddie Odicta Jr., Giovani Borja, Elester Saquilabon, Winston Farinas

A scene from “Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod (Chilly because the Oceans Run Deep).” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Regardless of sending cash to his girlfriend, an atypical seaman was informed the cash was not sufficient, main him to borrow cash from an officer. The seaman is unable to pay again his debt and tries to ease the officer’s calls for by massages. Nonetheless, nervousness, guilt, and despair lead the seaman to come back head to head with a sure “Factor.”

‘Please Maintain this Copy’ by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta

Forged: Class of M2017, Lecturers of M2017

A scene from “Please Maintain This Copy.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Highschool college students navigate by the rising management and repression of an elite non-public all-boys faculty, the place they discover their very own voice alongside the best way.

‘Radikals’ by Arvin Belarmino

Forged: Elora Españo, Timothy Castillo, Ross Pesigan

A scene from “Radikals.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

A younger, inexperienced dancer of the “Bakte” troupe finds herself in the midst of a humiliation after a disastrous second in the midst of a efficiency. Nonetheless, this results in a string of weird occasions.

‘The Subsequent 24 Hours’ by Carl Joseph Papa

Forged: Christela Marquez

A scene from “The Subsequent 24 Hours.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Twenty-nine-year-old Sheila struggles to reclaim management of her narrative after being sexually assaulted. She finds herself having to take care of a “indifferent healthcare system, hides her trauma at work, and resists her assailant’s manipulation.”

‘Water Sports activities’ by Whammy Alcazaren

Forged: Elijah Canlas, Renz Javier, Bon Lentejas, Ricky Davao

A scene from “Water Sports activities.” Picture: Courtesy of the Cultural Middle of the Philippines

Jelson and Ipe, who’re described to be “deep in love,” navigate by the struggles of the thoughts and physique to outlive a world destroyed by local weather change.