Cinemalaya 21: What to Expect From This Year's 10 Full-Length Films

When the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival opens its 21st edition from Oct. 3 to 12, it sets out again to tell stories that challenge as much as they entertain.

- By Nathalie Tomada

With the theme "Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangi, at Unos," this year's lineup promises to confront issues like abuse, corruption and forgotten histories, but also shine a light on stories of healing, hope and chosen families.

The pioneering independent film festival returns with 10 full-length features, all vying for the coveted Balanghai trophies.

Competing in the Full-Length Category are: "Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Nonilon Abao; "Child No. 82" by Tim Rone Villanueva; "Cinemartyrs" by Sari Dalena; "Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan" by Dustin Celestino; "Padamlagan" by Jenn Romano; "Paglilitis" by Cheska Marfori; "Open Endings" by Nigel Santos; "Republika ng Pipolipinas" by Renei Dimla; "Raging" by Ryan Machado; and "Warla" by Kevin Alambra.

In her speech, Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen said the whole process of submission, development and completion took about 20 months. "That means, as we introduce the new films of Cinemalaya 2025, work on the 2026 batch had already begun. Twenty semi-finalists are currently in the Film Lab. Ten finalists whose scripts will be finished by October, will then be announced at the closing ceremony. Soon after, they will start pre-production, and their films will premiere next year."

"As you can see, it is a continuing cycle. After 20 years, you can say it's a never-ending process. Difficult, almost impossible, but thoroughly necessary, meaningful and valuable to the industry and to Philippine culture."

This year's edition moved from its traditional August schedule to October due to budget delays that affected production timelines. Guillen explained during a separate interview, "In order to give (the filmmakers) time, we have to move to October. We chose the play date because wala kami sa sagasaan na ibang festival."