MANILA, Philippines—Riding the wave of Cinemalaya 19’s success, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. are already in full preparation mode for the 20th edition of the Philippines’ most prominent independent film festival in 2024.
Remaining committed to its mission of nurturing and championing the cinematic creations of Filipino independent filmmakers that bravely express and creatively interpret the Filipino narrative with novel perspectives and artistic authenticity, the Cinemalaya organizing committee proudly unveils the ten (10) full-length finalists who will vie for the coveted title of Best Film in Cinemalaya 20.
These finalists were meticulously selected from a pool of 20 semi-finalists who diligently underwent the Cinemalaya Film Lab, a comprehensive three-month film laboratory mentorship program designed to hone the finalists’ skills across various filmmaking domains such as scriptwriting, direction, cinematography, acting, editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and promotional strategies, among others.
Here are the distinguished 10 finalists in the Main Competition’s Full-Length Category:
Alipato by JL Burgos
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Revealing the undisclosed narratives behind confidential leads and compelling evidence, this documentary features the brother of missing activist Jonas Burgos as he sheds light on why his brother’s disappearance remains a pertinent case in contemporary times.
Ang Tumandok (The Inhabitants) by Kat Sumagaysay & Richard Salvadico
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Anchored in the real-life struggles of the Atis, the indigenous community of Central Panay, Ang Tumandok follows the journey of a 16-year-old chieftain’s daughter who stands alongside her fellow Atis in their resolute battle for ancestral land. With the Atis themselves taking center stage, this compelling narrative delves into their unyielding determination and profound connection to the land they cherish as home.
Aripuen (The Servant) by Christopher Gozum
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Marooned for two decades in a secluded mountain village within a Middle Eastern nation, 63-year-old Filipina shepherdess Divina Sabangan braves solitude, legal entanglements, longing for home, unpaid dues, and mental turmoil, all while holding onto her unwavering faith and familial devotion. Yet, when a group of seven enigmatic visitors appears, they present her with trials and chances that might pave the way for her long-awaited journey back to the Philippines.
Balota by Kip Oebanda
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
In a showdown for mayoral power within a quaint town, a land-hungry magnate and a former provocative male actor collide head-on. Amidst the escalating conflict, Emmy, an educator, dashes into the wilds clutching a ballot box containing the sole record of election outcomes. As Emmy and the local community strive to outwit and outplay menacing henchmen intent on sabotaging the election, a high-stakes game unfolds.
Gulay Lang Manong by BC Amparado
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Pilo, an aging vegetable farmer in Benguet, becomes entangled in his stoner brother Ricky’s association with the influential Benguet Marijuana Cartel, led by cunning Razer. As the drug war rages, Ricky is apprehended by determined patrolman Ariel, fueling an intricate plan. Pilo is enlisted to retrieve Razer in exchange for Ricky’s freedom, but when Pilo falls short, an alliance with Ariel is forged. Together, they navigate the underworld to expose the cartel’s hidden truths, uncovering shocking secrets along the way.
Kantil (Trench) by Joshua Caesar Medroso
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Amidst impending demolition, a coastal community of informal settlers in Purok 12, Tibungco, Davao City stumbles upon a mysterious, otherworldly shell along the shore. Their discovery exposes them to ominous forces determined to dismantle both their homes and their very essence.
Kano Basho (This Place) by Jaime Pacena II
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
During the restoration of a city in Japan following the 2011 tsunami, a Filipino son embarks on a contemplative expedition to attend the funeral of his estranged OFW father.
Love Child by Jonathan Jurilla
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Faced with the reality of their young son’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, unmarried couple AILA and PAO must navigate complex decisions on their upbringing to sustain their relationship. Amidst the allure of unfulfilled dreams, they grapple with finding common ground.
The Errands by Sarge Lacuesta
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
Tasked with a seemingly straightforward mission of fetching a designer t-shirt and a tin of viagra for his boss, a driver embarks on a road trip that traverses the intricate landscapes of time, class, and character.
The Wedding Dance by Julius Lumiqued
Image Courtesy of Cinemalaya.
In 1942, a Kalinga woman receives a personal invitation from her tribe’s warrior husband to join him in a traditional wedding dance.
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