Generation

Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival reveals 7th edition finalists

by Joanna Deala

PUBLISHED ON August 21, 2025

THIS year’s edition of Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival will feature a diverse lineup of films and documentaries helmed by both student and veteran filmmakers.

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival, founded by Solar Entertainment Corporation President Wilson Tieng and internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, aims to promote Philippine independent cinema through its “Sine Lokal, Pang-Internasyonal” advocacy.

On Wednesday, organizers revealed the finalists for the seventh edition of the independent film festival, which included feature films, short films, and documentaries selected from over 300 submissions.

“Masaya kami at maganda ang karamihan ng lahat ng mga natanggap naming mga pelikula, mga short film, at documentary,” Mendoza, known for tackling controversial issues in his films, said in a recorded video.

“Sana itong edition na ‘to maging masaya tayong lahat at mapanood ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino ang mga pelikula niyo, marinig ang mga boses niyo, and finally, congratulations sa inyo at magkita-kita ulit tayo sa sinehan at kasama niyo akong manonood ng pelikula niyo,” Mendoza said in a recorded video,” he added.

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 will take place from September 24 to 30, coinciding with the country’s celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM). Further details about the festival, including screening schedules and venues, will be announced soon on Sinag Maynila’s social media pages.

Check out the complete finalists below:

Feature Films

“Jeongbu” by Topel Lee, starring Aljur Abrenica, Ritz Azul, and Empress Schuck
“Selda Tres” by GB Sampedro, starring Carla Abellana, JM de Guzman, and Cesar Montano
“Magdawag ang landas patungong pag-asa (The Teacher)” by Joel Lamangan, starring Rita Daniela, Jak Roberto, and Albie Casiño
“Altar Boy” by Serville Poblete, starring Mark Bacolcol, Shai Barcia, and Pablo S.J. Quiogue
“Candé” by Kevin Pison Piamonte, starring Gian Pomperada, JC Santos, and Sunshine Teodoro

Documentary – Open Call

“Bai” by Dimae “Ben” Holzhauer
“Embo Between Two Cities” by Charles Kirby Fabellon
“Mga Bayaning Ayta” by Donnie Sacueza
“Oscar’s Recipe” by Giovanni Piolo Rayla

Documentary – Student

“Alon Likha” by Deanne Marie Idanan
“Ballasiwen Ti Pinagbiyag (Across The Divide)” by Ahron Cula
“Daungan Ng Mga Naghihintay (Where The Waiting Docks)” by Kaila Arvi Ariston
“Kaliwa (Kaliwa: The Dam)” by Jade Oraa
“Pagtipig (Keeping)” by Reutsche Colle Lima
“Pendiyente” by Zyra Mae Plegaria
“PDL 000” by Zechri Jacob Alvarez
“Puno’t Dulo Ng Bahaghari (Beginning And End Of The Rainbow)” by Kyle Dexter Millave
“Romeo And Julie” by Ysamae Yrrah Carelo and Edward John Louis Factes
“Sa Wakas, Kasama (Finally, With You)” by Janno Pelias
“Tuninong Na Pagpayaba (Silent Love)” by Lorenz Adler Villamor

Short Film – Open Call

“Ang Babayi Sa Suba (The Woman From The River)” by Jonathan Jurilla
“Hello, Mr. Jenkins” by Gian Arre and Flo Reyes
“Kataw” by Alyssa Ashley Manugas
“Open Time” by Mark Moneda
“Ang Gadya Sang Suba (The Tale Of The River Monster)” by Daniel de la Cruz
“Defectives” by Jalen Buenaseda
“Muli Na Ka, Merlie (Merlie, Go Home)” by Shane David
“Lip Sync Assassin” by Jon Galvez
“Nagahanaw Na Mga Aninipot (Vanishing Fireflies) by JP Corton
“Parapo (Stop!)” by Jhonny Bobier
“Sa Pwesto Ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair)” by VinJo Entuna
“Together” by Blasgil Tanquilut
“Transients” by Kyla Danelle Romero
“Si Sir Kag Ang Gamay Nga Bata (Sir And The Kid)” by Seb Valdez
“Walk With Jesus” by Redh Honoridez
“Walo-Walo: Walo Ka Adlaw Nga Kanay, Walo Ka Adlaw Nga Labugay (Sea Krait: Eight Days of Calm, Eight Days of Turbulence)” by Mery Grace Rama-Mission