LIST: Cinemalaya 2023 competing feature films

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will have ten competing full-length feature films for its 19th edition, including a first documentary and an animated series. 

The festival that is set to take place from August 4 to 13 is also moving to a new home at the Philippine International Convention Center since the Cultural Center of the Philippines where it has always been held in the past is currently undergoing renovations. 

Films will be screened at the CCP’s Black Box Theater, TriNoMa, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Glorietta cinemas.

Here is the full list of films for this year’s Cinemalaya. 

1. Ang Duyan ng Magiting

Direction and script: Dustin Celestino 

Cast: Dolly De Leon, Bituin Escalante, Agot Isidro, Miggy Jimenez, Jojit Lorenzo, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Paolo O’Hara, Joel Saracho and Dylan Ray Talon

Synopsis: A film tackling violence in the Philippines through the story of a college professor, a university chancellor, a social worker, a police chief, two students, two mothers and a lawyer affected by war, terrorism and politics existing in the country.

2. As If It’s True

Direction and script: John Rogers

Cast: Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega, Adrianna So, John Silverio, Angellie Sanoy, Rachel Coates and Marnie Lapus

Synopsis: The movie follows the life of a burnt-out content creator and a struggling musician who got into a relationship with intentions of capitalizing on one another. 

3. Bulawan Nga Usa

Direction and script: Kenneth De La Cruz 

Cast: Ron Matthews Espinosa, John Niel Paguntalan, CJ Pagayon, Filemon Capanang, Babbeth Fuentes Vargas, Tara Rose Molina, GC Castro, Lolita Madrid, Krystoffer Ays Grabato and Sharon Idione

Synopsis: A young man climbs up the mountain to escape the world and faces events that allow him to see through mystery and self-discovery. 

4. Gitling 

Direction and script: Jopy Arnaldo

Cast: Gabby Padilla, Ken Yamamura and Emmanuel Dela Cruz

Synopsis: A woman who called off an engagement meets a man who escaped his cheating wife to work on a film. They later on find a special connection in their friendship. 

5. Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing) 

Direction and script: Carl Joseph Papa 

Cast: Carlo Aquino, Gio Gahol and  Dolly De Leon

 Iti Mapupukaw is Cinemalaya’s first animated full-length entry follows the twisted life of a mouthless young man which complicates even more when an alien comes into his world. 

6. Huling Palabas 

Direction and script: Ryan Machado 

Cast: Shun Mark Gomez and Bon Andrew Lentejas, Jay Gonzaga, Serene Magiliw, Senanda Gomez and Cedrick Juan

Synopsis: A teenager looks for his long-lost father on VHS tapes when two movie-like personalities appear in his town. 

7. Maria 

Direction: Sheryl Rose Andres

Synopsis: Cinemalaya’s first documentary follows three women all named Maria on a journey finding justice in a country where democratic space fosters a culture of impunity. 

8. Rookie 

Direction: Samantha Lee 

Script: Lee and Natts Jadaone

Cast: Pat Tingjuy, Aya Fernandez and Agot Isidro

Synopsis: A queer film about a tall, awkward teenager who moves to a new town and joins an all-girl Catholic highschool volleyball and falls for the team captain. 

9. Tether

Direction and script: Gian Arre
Cast: Mikoy Morales and Jorrybell Agoto

Synopsis: After a one-night stand, an arrogant boy and a timid young woman both discover that the emotions they feel both resonate to each other. 

10. When This Is All Over 

Direction and script: Kevin Mayuga 

Cast: Juan Karlos Labajo, Jorrybell Agoto, Ana Abad Santos, Chaye Mogg, Nour Hooshmand, Jico Umali, Renee Dominique, Aaron Maniego, Jonathan Tadioan, Lottie Bie, Zara Loayan and Lotlot Bustamante

Synopsis: A desperate individual forges a deal with privileged individuals to plan a secret party at the height of the pandemic to escape from reality.