Arguably the biggest and most prestigious annual independent film festival in the country, Cinemalaya is back with its 13th edition, presenting another intriguing batch of films that take artistic liberties in boldly interpreting the Philippine experience.
To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of 127 full feature independent films and 106 short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.
Throughout its 12-year run, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.
Following the theme “See the Big Picture,” this year’s festival is bannered by nine full-length feature entries.
They are Perry Escaño’s “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa”; Mes de Guzman’s “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha”; Joseph Israel Laban’s “Baconaua”; Zig Madamba Dulay’s “Bagahe”; Sonny Calvento’s “Nabubulok”; Thop Nazareno’s “Kiko Boksingero”; Nerissa Picadizo’s “Requited”; Treb Monteras II’s “Respeto”; and, Iar Lionel Benjamin Arondaing’s “Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig.”
Not without their share of star power, among the established mainstream actors that have generously lent their talents to the above feature films include Alfred Vargas, Niño Muhlach, Bembol Roco, Yayo Aguila, Gina Alajar, Jake Cuenca, Angel Aquino, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, hip-hop sensations Abra and Loonie, and Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
These stars will mix it up with notable indie mainstays like Angeli Bayani, Anna Luna, Mercedes Cabral, Elora Españo, Therese Malvar, Arnold Reyes, Jess Mendoza, Shamaine Buencamino, Yul Servo, Sue Prado, Chanel Latorre and Dido dela Paz.
Cinemalaya 13 is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the Cinemalaya Foundation and Ayala Cinemas. The festival will run from August 4 to 13.
For screening schedules at the CCP, visit www.cinemalaya.org.
In Ayala Cinemas, watch it at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, U.P. Town Center, and now in Pampanga at Marquee Mall. For screening schedules, visit www.sureseats.com.
Watch the teaser trailers of Cinemalaya 13’s nine feature-length films with their respective synopses here:
