Cinemalaya at 14 flies on ‘wings of vision’

It’s that time of the year when lovers of Filipino independent movies await the country’s biggest independent film festival.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival rolls out its 14th edition by announcing its latest line-up of full-length films and short features following the theme “Wings of Vision.”

CCP President Arsenio Lizaso said it was derived from a poem made by Jose Corazon De Jesus in 1982 titled “Pakpak.” He recited the excerpt from where the theme was lifted, “Bigyan mo ng pakpak itong aking diwa. At ako’t lilipad hanggang kay Bathala.”

The competing full-length entries are:

A scene from ‘Distance’

“Distance” by Percival Intalan starring Iza Calzado and Nonie Buencamino. It is about a woman who returns to the family that she abandoned five years ago. Everyone struggles to stay civil, not to reopen old wounds, and stay together even though a secret from the past threatens to always keep them apart.

A scene from ‘Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon (Waiting For Sunset)’

“Kung Paano Hinihintay Ang Dapithapon (Waiting For Sunset)” by Carlo Enciso Catu starring Dante Rivero, Menggie Cobarrubias, and Perla Bautista. It tackles the story of an old unmarried couple, who break the monotony of their daily lives when the woman’s estranged husband reaches out to them, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness.

A scene from ‘Kuya Wes’

“Kuya Wes” by James Robin Mayo. A timid and earnest remittance clerk, played by Ogie Alcasid, falls in love with his regular customer.

A scene from ‘Liway’

Kip Oebanda’s “Liway.” A young mother, played by Glaiza de Castro, uses storytelling to protect her child from the reality of growing up inside the prison and the difficult life she has endured.

A scene from ‘Mamang’

Denise O’ Hara’s “Mamang” is about an old woman who struggles against senility to be with her son. The film stars Celeste Legaspi, Ketchup Eusebio, and Alex Medina.

A scene from ‘ML’

Starring Eddie Garcia and Tony Labrusca, “ML” is directed by Benedicto Mique Jr. Three teenagers get more than what they bargained for when they learn about the dark days of Martial Law straight from an old retired soldier.

A scene from ‘Musmos Na Sumibol Sa Gubat Ng Digma (Unless The Water Is Safer Than The Land)’

“Musmos Na Sumibol Sa Gubat Ng Digma (Unless The Water Is Safer Than The Land)” by Iar Lionel Arondaing. With the political unrest in Mindanao and the Maranao culture of rido, children live through the dangers and consequnces of war.

A scene from ‘Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste Of Salter Bread And Undies)’

“Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste Of Salter Bread And Undies)” by Che Espiritu. It revolved around a wandering girl who violently hurts the sick to heal them brings miracles to an ill-striken neighborhood. It stars Junyka Sigrid Santarin, JM Salvado, and Star Orjaliza.

A scene from ‘School Service’

“School Service” by Luisito Lagdameo Ignacio starring Ai Ai delas Alas, Joel Lamangan and Therese Malvar. A young girl is taken against her will from the province by a small-time syndicate and becomes a beggar in Manila.

A scene from ‘The Lookout’

And Afi Africa’s “The Lookout,” which revolves around a gay hired killer who has a score to settle from his past. The film stars Yayo Aguila, Rez Cortez, and Efren Reyes.

Meanwhile, the 10 short films are: “Babylon” by Keith Deligero; “Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month” by Carlo Francisco Manatad; “Kiko” by Jojo Driz; “Logro” Kani Villaflor; “Nangungupahan (Who Rents There Now?)” by Glenn Barit; “Sa Saiyang Isla (In His Island)” by Christian Candelaria; “Si Astri maka Si Tambulah (Astri and Tambulah)” by Xeph Suarez; “Siyudad sa Bulawan (City of Gold)” by Jarell Serencio; “Yakap” by Mika Fabella and Rafael Froilan Jr.; and, “You, Me and Mr. Wiggles” by Jav Velasco.

Here’s more

Apart from the main competition, audiences will continue to enjoy the festival’s mainstays: Dokyu, the documentary section; Best of the Festivals, which showcases the best films from local festivals; Indie Nation, a special section featuring independent films; Visions of Asia, featuring award-winning Asian and Netpac films. There will also be a showcase of the final projects of the Directing and Production Management workshops under the 4th Cinemalaya Institute.

This year’s Cinemalaya will pay tribute to Maryo J. Delos Reyes through a special screening of his best films “Bagets” and “Magnifico”; and to Bernardo Bernardo by showing “Manila By Night” by Ishmael Bernal.

Meanwhile, a retrospective section will feature the 2017 Cinemalaya Best Film “Respeto” by Treb Monteras, and “Baconaua” by Joseph Israel Laban who won Best Director.

The Cinemalaya Foundation also presented the films from abroad that will be open for screening during the film fest. These are the films that gathered different awards in the diverse award-giving body across the world: “Of Love And Law” (Japan), “Goodbye Grandpa” (Japan), “Bet” (India), “Nearest And Dearest” (Russia), “Bad Genius” (Thailand), and “The Taste Of Rice Flower” (China).

On its 30th edition, the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the ASEAN region, will once again harvest the best of the best, with films competing in various categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary and Animation. Pre-selected entries will be screened on Aug. 4-6 at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theater).

The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of Cinemalaya, is slated on Aug. 7 & 8 at the Silangan Hall.

More, Nespresso, a global leader in coffee and Cinemalaya’s brand partner this year, has also announced its new initiative: The Nespresso Vertical Shorts 2018 competition. A celebration of innovation, passion and excellence in filmmaking, the brand challenges directors and young creatives to share their stories through vertical video following a theme “pagmamalasakit” or empathy.

“Since 2005, Cinemalaya has continued to discover, encourage and support the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity,” Cinemalaya organizers said.

“To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.”

The 2018 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival runs from Aug. 3 to 12 at various venues of CCP and selected Ayala Cinemas.

The awards night will be on Aug. 12 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).