Support local films this August, watch Cinemalaya and Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino selections

By Coconuts Manila

Aug 8, 2017 | 1:22pm Manila time

Anyone who grew up in the Philippines knows that August marks Buwan ng Wika, an entire month dedicated to honoring the country’s national language.

While children all over the country are busy attending school fiestas and preparing for Filipino oratory competitions, those who are well beyond school age can commemorate the event in a different way. This year, celebrate Filipino culture by watching new independent films showcased in two local film festivals: Cinemalaya and Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

Cinemalaya (Aug. 4 – 13)

This is the 13th year of the Cinemalaya Film Festival. According to the its official website, there are 9 full-length films in competition. These include:

Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa

Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha

Baconaua

Bagahe

Kiko Boksingero

Nabubulok

Requited

Respeto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T8fHXfD1PI

Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig

Apart from these films, audiences can also watch 12 short films and several independent films from around the region showcased in the festival’s Visions of Asia section.

Cinemalaya movies are shown in multiple theaters inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines and cinemas in Greenbelt 1, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, UP Town Center, Glorietta, Solenad, Nuvali, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Aug. 16 – 22)

In Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino’s first year, the festival called on all cinemas in the country to only show local films for an entire week. The event was organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and aims to “provide a platform where Filipino films can connect to the wider Filipino audience through its nationwide release,” the festival’s Facebook page says. Films selected for the festival are:

100 Tula Para Kay Stella