From left: Sheron Dayoc, Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro o GOSPEL OF THE BEAST. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
The 20th edition of the country’s premiere independent film festival had a spectacular opening at the Cinema 7 of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, August 2, 2024. All the competition films in the feature and short category will have simultaneous screenings from (August 3-11) in Ayala Malls around the city: Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt.
Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024.
The quick guide is if you want to catch the galas with filmmakers and cast, then make sure to go to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. If your only concern is to watch the current competition entries then you may choose among Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt. For a full schedule log on to the official Cinemalaya fb: https://www.facebook.com/CinemalayaOfficial
Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
During the opening, Cinemalaya XX stars graced the red carpet: Mylene Dizon, Ina Feleo (of THE HEARING), Meryl Soriano, Kiki Baento, Marge Lorico (of PRIMETIME MOTHER). Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro were there for opening film GOSPEL OF THE BEAST. Dolly De Leon, the first Filipina to be nominated at the Golden Globes and BAFTA, was also there as part of the jury.
THE HEARING cast from right: Ina Feleo, Ruslan Jacob Asumbrado, Enzo Osorio, Mylene Dizon, Nor Domingo and Host Kakki Teodoro. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
The much heralded GOSPEL OF THE BEAST by Sheron Dayoc made its Philippine premiere at the opening. And has reaped honors abroad: 2024 BALI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (Best Feature film) and at the HO CHI MINH Film Fest (Best Film). Also nominated as Best Film at the 2023 Tokyo International Film Festival where it debuted.
Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024.
Role of Cinemalaya Through The Years
In a joint speech Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado and Cinemalaya Deputy Festival Dir. Tess Rances laid out the venues and activities throughout the 10 day event. Rances said, “ We are brimming with pride and excitement as we welcome you to the opening ceremony of the Cinemalaya film festival. Our 20th edition here at the cinema in Ayala Malls Manila Bay.”
from left: Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado, Cinemalaya Deputy Festival Dir. Tess Rances and CCP Artistic Dir. Dennis Marasigan. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
For a long time, prior to the fest, there were few or non-existent opportunities for young filmmakers. Millado explained, “For two remarkable decades the Cinemalaya Balanghai has navigated the vastness of Filipino cinematic imagery and creativity. This journey began in an era marked by the doldrums, when Philippine cinema found itself at a standstill in the early part of this century. Yet Cinemalaya emerged steered by the vision and passion of a new breed of filmmakers.”
from right: Meryl Soriano, Marge Lorico and Kiki Baento of PRIMETIME MOTHER. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Technological advancements also played a role in allowing the fest to grow according to Rances, “With sails powered by innovative winds of digital technology. Our Cinemalaya Balanghai weathered many storms. During the pandemic and lockdowns we found refuge in virtual coves. And as we emerged from the pandemic we immediately lifted anchor and set sail again. Always guided by the winds and currents, the shining star of free and untethered aspiration of Filipino Imagination.”
TUMANDOK cast From right: Director Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, Renenmae Florendo (real life Em Em), Jenaica Sangher (Em Em), Christian Joseph Jalia and Prod Designer Lynne Belle Salvadico. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
LAKAS LOOB LALIM
Millado talked about the origins of the concept behind this year’s theme, “Our anting anting or talisman in this journey has been the concept of KALOOBAN. The Filipino inner being, the core of the Filipino artist that directs us towards preserving and strengthening our relationship with our cherished audiences, through storytelling. Through the values of the LOOB, we find our moral compass. This compass acquires a poetic dimension, when engaged with a metaphorical Balanghai of Cinemalaya. Our ancient Filipino astronomers believed that the constellation in the night sky were reflections of their souls. When they looked up at the heavens they saw not just the sky but their culture, their humanity and their mortality…Thus we are thrilled to present to you Cinemalaya Bente, may LAKAS, LOOB at LALIM. Celebrating Philippine independent cinema’s strength, courage and depth.”
AN ERRAND Cast from left: Director Dominic Bekaert, Elora Españo (Brenda), and Screenwriter/Producer Sarge Lacuesta. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Newly Minted Feature and Short Films
Cinemalaya stays true to its core. “The main competition of newly minted full length and short films remains to be the heart of our festival. Where the most exciting stories engage with audiences for the first time and will vie for the Balanghai trophy. These films will aim to push boundaries and redefine Filipino storytelling,” said Rances.
From right: Host Nicco Manalo with THE WEDDING DANCE director Julius Lumiqued, Production Manager Diana Grace Delos Santos, Arvin Balageo, Jemimah Bogbog and Christal Dagupen. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are: ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos; AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta; TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; BALOTA by Kip Oebanda; GULAY LANG MANONG (No More Than Veggies) by BC Amparado; KANTIL (Trench) by Joshua Caesar Medroso; KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II; LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla; THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio; and THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued.
Docu filmmaker JL Burgos (ALIPATO AT MUOG); Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Premieres and Tribute Screenings
There are also new works by distinguished names like Jay Altarejos and Doy Del Mundo. “Our exhibition section will provide a platform for our diverse films offering fresh perspectives. This year we feature Philippine premieres of new cinematic works of full length feature films, documentaries and shorts,” said Millado.
CCP Pres. Kaye Tinga; Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
On August 8, Cinema 2 in Ayala Malls Manila Bay will screen BROCKA X BERNAL a documentary by Doy and Ida Del Mundo (2pm), LOST SABUNGEROS a documentary by Bryan Brazil with talkback (5pm) and MA’ROSA by Brillante Mendoza (830pm) as a tribute to late great screenwriter Armando ‘Bing’ Lao.
2nd from right: short filmmaker Rey Anthony Villaverde and cast of AMBOT WA KO KABALO UNSAY I-TITLE ANI. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista (13)
August 9, Cinema 2 in Ayala Malls Manila Bay will screen IKAW AY AKIN by Ishmael Bernal – restored classic (2pm), GUARDIA DE HONOR by Jay Altarejos (5pm), AND SO IT BEGINS a documentary by Ramona Diaz (830pm). For full schedule log on to: https://www.facebook.com/CinemalayaOfficial
From left: Cinemalaya Pres. Laurice Guillen and Ina Feleo; Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Metropolitan Theater Screenings
Rances talked about restored classics, “Created sections will delve in thematic aspirations. Spotlighting films that provoke thought, inspire change and cultural diversity through an exciting line up of festival favorites. Independent film from various parts of Asia, thought provoking documentary films, tribute screenings celebrating the icons of the industry. Restoring classics and emerging works of the CCP Gawad Alternatibo.”
Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado and Cinemalaya Deputy Festival Dir. Tess Rances. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
August 7, Metropolitan Theater will screen CINEMALAYA SHORTS FROM THE REGIONS as Tribute to Cineaste Teddy Co (1PM), JOSE RIZAL by Marilou Diaz-Abaya Co-written by Natl Artist Ricky Lee. And on August 9 ASEDILLO w Natl Artist Fernando Poe Jr. (1pm) Screenings are FREE, all you have to do is register on QR Code provided. For details
Log on to: https://www.facebook.com/CinemalayaOfficial
Film Market and Display
There are other activities in the fest, “ A portion of the 4th floor of the Ayala Malls Manila Bay will host the Cinema Merkado Film Market and will be the bustling hub of ideas, collaborations and opportunities. This marketplace is where filmmakers, producers and enthusiasts come together to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships and nurture the growth of our cinematic ecosystem,” said Millado
Jansen Magpusao of GOSPEL OF THE BEAST; Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Fans can explore exhibits and displays according to Rances, “Exhibits will transform the spaces of the Ayala Malls and provide an immersive experience into the visual arts. Featuring installations and displays that complement the narrative of our films and celebrate the artistic achievements of our community.”
from left: Kakki Teodoro, Jansen Magpusao Dolores ‘ Lola’ Pizzaro and Ronnie Lazaro and Nicco Manalo. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Not all business, “Finally, special events will offer experiences from red carpet receptions to parties, meet and greets, lounges, interactive corners to readings that celebrate the spirit of the Cinemalaya community. Altogether the 20th edition of Cinemalaya will showcase more than 100 films and activities, “ said MIllado.
from right: Host Nicco Manalo with PRIMETIME MOTHER cast: Joem Basco, Joel Saracho, Meryl Soriano, Marge Lorico, Kiki Baento and host Kakki Teodoro. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
FDCP Road Tour
Rances broke the news that Cinemalaya films were screened in various cities. “As we approach the festival week, two weeks ago Cinemalaya went on a road tour with its award winning films to outreach screenings in FDCP Cinematheques in Bacolod, Ilo ilo, Davao and Nabunturan.”
Actors From left: Edmund Telmo (of KANTIL) Jansen Magpusao ( GOSPEL OF THE BEAST) and Andre Miguel (of KANTIL). Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
They ended their speech with a bang, “Cinemalaya’s 20th anniversary edition starts tonight at the Ayala Malls cinemas, here at Manila Bay, Greenbelt, Market Market!1, UP Town Center and Trinoma in Quezon City. Mabuhay ang Cinemalaya! Mabuhay and Pelikulang Pilipino!”
From left: CCP Artistic Dir. Dennis Marasogan, Sheron Dayoc and Cinemalaya Pres. Laurice Guillen. Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista
Cinemalaya XX competition will be screened in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, Market Market!, U.P. Town Center and Greenbelt from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista