GMA Network, through its divisions GMA Pictures, GMA Entertainment Group, and GMA Public Affairs, is making a notable impact at the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. The media powerhouse will enchant audiences with a varied and engaging lineup of films and documentaries, promising a distinctive cinematic experience starting Aug. 2.
Taking the lead is the highly-anticipated film Balota, directed by Kip Oebanda. This thought-provoking film, produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group, is one of the 10 finalists in the full-length films category. It tells the story of teacher Emmy, portrayed by Marian Rivera, a dedicated teacher caught amid political turmoil during the Philippine election.
Cinemalaya will be mounting the world premiere of the digitally restored and remastered classic Jose Rizal, originally produced by GMA Pictures in 1998. This will be shown at the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) as a tribute to Philippine cinema.
Additionally, GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever investigative docu-film, “Lost Sabungeros,” will also be part of the film festival. Directed by the award-winning producer Bryan Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” delved into the unsolved disappearances of sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) in 2022.
Manila International Film Festival Best Picture Firefly will also be screened at Cinemalaya 2024 as part of the festival’s exhibition program. This coming-of-age road trip drama based on the original story of GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP Angeli Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay, narrates a moving story of the young Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell), who embarks on a journey to find the mystical land of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.
GMA Public Affairs is also proud to present a collection of critically acclaimed documentaries that showcase the diversity and resilience of the Filipino spirit under Cinemalaya’s “Gawad Programming.” These include the award-winning i-Witness documentaries Boat to School, Sisid sa Putik, Ambulansiyang de Paa, and Bawat Barya, which shed light on pressing social issues.
Further, GMA Public Affairs gave its support to the in-competition film Alipato at Muog. The movie is directed by JL Burgos and narrates the disappearance of his brother – activist Jonas Burgos. GMA Public Affairs provided archival footage of Jonas used in the film.
GMA Network’s participation in Cinemalaya 2024 further underscores its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Philippine cinema.
This year marks Cinemalaya’s 20th year, and screenings have temporarily moved to Ayala Malls Manila Bay following the ongoing renovation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
