Independent film festival Sinag Maynila continues to shine brighter on its 6th year with its “Sine Lokal, Pang-International” selections in select cinemas from March 17 to 24.
A joint project of Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, and SM, the festival seeks to inspire, educate, and enlighten the viewing public. In its sixth year of providing independent filmmakers a brand- new platform to showcase their stories, Sinag Maynila will feature three competition sections, noteworthy international exhibition films and a variety of cinema-related activities.
The roster of finalists, which were presented during the recent press conference at new The Podium Hall, were handpicked by Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng and Festival Director Brillante Ma Mendoza. These include full-length feature films: He Who is Without Sin by Jason Paul Laxamana; The Highest Peak by Arnel Barbarona; Kintsugi (Broken) by Lawrence Fajardo; and Latay (Battered Husband) by Ralston Jover.
Documentary category finalists include A Remembering of Disremembering by Cris Bringas, Agos by Jerel Travezonda, Coal Story, Bro by RA Rivera, Kung Saan Ka Happy: An A.D.N. Story by Kimberly Ilaya, Mga Bayaning Ayta by Donnie Sacueza, and Vahay: A Documentary on The Ivatan House by Rica Arevalo.
Competing in the short film category are Ang Kaibigan ni Imaginary F. by Joey Paras, Dasal by Angela Andres, Leave Notes by Yssa Valdes, Nilalang (Of Being and Deceit) by Juan Carlos Tarobal, Pabasa kan Pasyon by Hubert Tibi, Silang Mga Nakatago sa Dilim by Diana Manguiat and Angelica Nitura, Supot by Philip Giordano, Tahanan by Mick Quito, Tarang (Life’s Pedal) by Arvin Belarmino and Patsy Ferrer, and Together by Blasgil Tranquilut.
Winners of the competition will be announced at the Gabi ng Parangal to be held on Sunday, March 22 at The Conrad Hotel Manila.