Ahead of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in August, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) announced on Tuesday the 10 full-length films that will be screened during the celebrated indie film fest.
This year’s edition will be held from Aug. 2 to 13, with screenings in CCP, various cinemas in Manila, and other locations all over the country including Davao, Bacolod, and Iloilo.
Tickets are priced at PHP200 (US$3.90) per screening for regular audiences and PHP150 (US$2.92) for students. An all-access pass, where one can watch all movies including the short films, is available for PHP4,000 (US$78.11).
Below, are the full-length features fans of local indie films can look forward to.
Ani by Kim Zuniga and Sandro Del Rosario
A boy and his toy robot embark on an adventure to search for magical grains which will save the life of the boy’s ailing grandfather.
Cast: Zyren de la Cruz, Ricky Davao, Miguel Valdes, Marc Felix, Anna Luna, and JM Canlas
Belle Douleur (A Beautiful Pain) by Joji V. Alonso
A romantic movie about a woman in her 40s who tries to search for happiness by dating a 20-something antique collector.
Cast: Kit Thompson, Mylene Dizon, Marlon Rivera, Jenny Jamora, and Hannah Ledesma
Children of the River by Maricel Cariaga
Elias and his three friends have sworn that they will look out for each other, whatever happens. Their days start with a phone call to each other before leaving their homes to search for adventures. Their lives change when an outsider tells Elias of his true identity.
Cast: Noel Comia, Jr., Ricky Oriarte, Dave Justin Francis, Junyka Santarin, JR Custodio, and Juancho Triviño.
Edward by Thop Nazareno
A young man finds himself stuck in a public hospital where he has to take care of his ailing father. The hospital becomes his own playground and eventually, a source of inspiration and liberation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Z8FnH_Agg
Cast: Louise Abuel, Dido dela Paz, Elijah Canlas, Manuel Chua, and Ella Cruz
Fuccbois by Eduardo Roy, Jr.
This steamy story is about two young men who do everything to become actors. However, stardom proves elusive because the universe has other plans.
Cast: Royce Cabrera, Kokoy de Santos, and Ricky Davao
Iska by Theodore Boborol
A grandmother undergoes countless struggles as she raises a grandson with autism.
Cast: Soliman Cruz, Ruby Ruiz, Ricky Rivero, Jonic Magno, Jomari Angeles, and RK Bagatsing
John Denver Trending by Arden Rod Condez
A 14-year-old student sees his life turn upside down when a video of him attacking a classmate goes viral online. It’s an intimate look into the effects of social media on an ordinary Filipino’s life.
Cast: Jansen Magpusao, Meryll Soriano, Glenn Mas, Sammy Rubido, Vince Philip Alegre, and Jofranz Ambubuyog
Malamaya (The Color of Ash) by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez
Another May-December romance film, the story tells of a pessimistic middle-aged artist whose relationship with a young photographer leads to her artistic and sexual reawakening.
Cast: Enzo Pineda, Sunshine Cruz, Raymond Bagatsing, and Bernadette Allyson
Pandanggo sa Hukay by Sheryl Rose Andes
A midwife and single mother tries to remain positive despite the poverty and violence in her community. The film follows her life as she prepares for an interview for an overseas job, one that could change her family’s life for the better.
Cast: Iza Calzado, Ybes Bagadiong, Acey Aguilar, Diva Montelaba, Charlie Dizon, and Star Orjaliza.
Tabon by Xian Lim
This psychological thriller is actor Xian Lim’s directorial debut. A man questions reality when several suspects are accused of a crime they swore they did not commit.
For a full list of screening locations, visit the Cinemalaya Facebook page.
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