The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival opened its 21st edition, marking a new chapter for the country’s premier indie showcase as it moves screenings to Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas and partner venues across Metro Manila. The festival runs from Oct. 3 to Oct. 12 under the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin at Unos.”
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Media Ricky Lee, who has witnessed the festival’s growth since its inception, described its enduring spirit as both “groundbreaking” and “inclusive.”
“It has consistently been groundbreaking. It always goes to the margins, to the underside, to the unexpected,” Lee told Manila Standard Entertainment.
The award-winning screenwriter also noted that the festival has become more inclusive, drawing filmmakers from both the regions and Metro Manila.
“There are those coming from the regions, and there are still those from Manila,” he said.
For Lee, one of the most remarkable transformations is how Cinemalaya has blurred the once-clear boundary between mainstream and independent cinema.
“The boundary between what we call mainstream and short films has somewhat blurred, which I think is very healthy because it’s inclusive,” he added.
He emphasized craft and authenticity as the festival’s guiding values and said that the essence of filmmaking goes beyond labels.
“Whether you call it indie or mainstream, what matters is the truth. It’s still important to deliver the message to the audience—to their heart, their mind, and their soul. In the end, it’s the film that gives you strength,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kate Tinga reflected on Cinemalaya’s two-decade journey.
“For over two decades, Cinemalaya has been a proud platform for the bold spirit of independent films and the creative community. The uncertainties and storms that come with our voyage make our mission more meaningful and powerful,” Tinga said.
Laurice Guillen, president of the Cinemalaya Foundation, underscored the festival’s continuing mission to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
“In 2004, we embarked on a mission to help develop and support the production of cinematic works by Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity,” Guillen said.
“The festival is not just an event, it is a journey. The filmmaker who joins the competition with a story close to his heart sets out on a personal journey through a process that emphasizes craft, creativity, and community,” she added.
Guillen also reminded filmmakers of their responsibility to capture the Filipino experience and respond to global challenges.
“Unless our filmmakers acknowledge the hard truth of issues that cause upheavals in the world today—climate change, migration, war, corruption, and inequality—we can’t even begin to take up the challenge. Every voice that believes in the triumph of the human spirit is a spark that can bring change,” the veteran actress and filmmaker said.
Deputy festival director Tess Rances highlighted how Cinemalaya continues to make waves internationally and at home.
“Barely two weeks after the media launch, five Cinemalaya films garnered 37 nominations from the Urian Awards,” she said, citing last year’s Tumandok, Alipato at Muog, Konobasho, The Hearing, and An Errand among the recognized titles.
Despite these successes, Rances acknowledged the festival’s fragile funding.
“The lack of funding almost cut short the journey, if not for the urgent efforts of the Cinemalaya Foundation, the FDCP, and the CCP. We urge our government to prioritize the allocation of funds to support the arts,” she said.
Cinemalaya 21 runs from Oct. 2 to Oct. 13, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, and select Ayala Malls nationwide.
