Sinag Maynila announces diverse lineup of Filipino stories
The Sinag Maynila Film Festival is back for its seventh edition, once again putting the spotlight on bold Filipino storytelling across features, documentaries, and short films.
Founded by Solar Entertainment president Wilson Tieng and Cannes-winning director Brillante Mendoza, the festival carries the advocacy “Sine Lokal, Pang-International.” This year, organizers noted a record-breaking number of entries, many from young and student filmmakers eager to showcase their stories.
For this year’s festival, five full-length features headline the event, offering a mix of drama, suspense, and coming-of-age stories.
Kevin Pison Piamonte’s Candé tells the story of a Filipino chef in New York who returns to his hometown for a childhood friend’s funeral, forcing him to confront a tragic past amid the vibrancy of a local fiesta. The film stars JC Santos, Gian Pomperada, and Sunshine Teodoro.
Topel Lee delivers the horror entry Jeongbu, about a sinister force that seeks to take over a woman’s identity, featuring Aljur Abrenica, Ritz Azul, and Empress Schuck. Joel Lamangan’s Madawag Ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa (The Teacher) follows a young teacher, played by Rita Daniela, who struggles to convince children in a remote village to return to school, with Jak Roberto and Albie Casiño in supporting roles.
GB Sampedro presents Selda Tres (Cell Number 3), the story of a former inmate who becomes a paralegal to help his ex-cellmates, starring Carla Abellana, JM de Guzman, and Cesar Montano. Rounding out the lineup is Canadian-Filipino filmmaker Serville Poblete’s Altar Boy, a coming-of-age drama that explores the struggles of a teenager navigating the pressures of a religious upbringing, led by Mark Bacolcol, Shai Barcia, and Pablo S.J. Quiogue.
At the press conference, the directors shared reflections on filmmaking and the lessons they hoped to pass on to the next generation of storytellers.
For Lamangan, the path to mastery is paved with mistakes, recalling his own missteps as a filmmaker.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. I’ve made so many mistakes, but I wasn’t afraid. I pursued the lessons I learned until I mastered them,” said Lamangan.
He also reminded young filmmakers to stay connected to the realities of the communities around them.
“Your stories must be rooted in the truth of the society you live in. A small success is not something to brag about. Be humble,” he added.
Lee, best known for his genre work, highlighted persistence in an unpredictable industry.
“Sometimes we don’t have projects. Sometimes we need to step back. But keep holding on to your art,” Lee shared.
Sampedro underscored the power of passion and staying true to one’s vision.
“It all begins with a dream. Dreaming is very important if you want to move forward. Not everything that looks good to others will be good for you. You need to believe in what you create and be ready to fight for it,” he emphasized.
For Poblete, who also teaches film, the creative process is rooted in humility and openness.
“Make beautiful mistakes, don’t be afraid,” he told students and young filmmakers, adding that collaboration should always be a two-way street.
“Just because we’re teachers doesn’t mean we stop learning. You can teach us too,” Poblete continued.
Screenings are set for Sept. 24 to 30 in select Metro Manila cinemas, including Gateway, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Mall of Asia, and SM Fairview. Tickets are priced at P250.
