Breaking the Surface: The 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Opening Ceremony

It’s the time of the year again – Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is back at it once more with its annual pledge of delivering eminent relevance and connection in the Philippine arts and culture through showcasing new cinematic works with fresh insight and artistic integrity of Filipino filmmakers.

 

 

Held last August 5, Friday, at the CCP Main Theater, the 12th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival was officially opened for free to the public as on a first come first serve basis. Chris Millado, Cinemalaya festival director mentioned that this year’s Cinemalaya festival is in partnership with Eigasai, a Japanese film festival in the Philippines through the Japan Foundation which will encourage film exchange, help in the promotion of both events, and contribute to audience building and film education.

 

CHRIS MILLADO. Cinemalaya Festival Director

 

Laurice Guillen, President of Cinemalaya Foundation, also gave a short yet momentous talk of the night, leaving these empowering words to the eager listeners, “We need to dream and believe in the possibility that we can live our life in the same way that we practice our art – so that art becomes a way of life.”

LAURICE GUILLEN. President of Cinemalaya Foundation

 

It was then followed by the introduction of the directors of short films, which were divided into two sections under the main competition. For Shorts A: Mansyong Papel by Ogos Aznar, Bugtaw by Noah del Rosario, Pektus by Isabel Quesada, Nakauwi Na by John Relano, Ang Maangas, Ang Marikit at and Makata by Jose Ibarra Guballa. For Shorts B: Butas by Richard Cawed, Forever Natin by Cyrus Valdez, Ang Hapon ni Nanding by Rommel Tolentino, Get Certified by Isaias Herrera Zantua and Fish Out of Water by Mon A.L. Garilao.

 

SHORT FILMS DIRECTORS were all beaming with hope and pride under the rising wings of their beloved titles on the Independent silver screen.

 

Full-length feature film directors were also acknowledged on stage as well. This year’s full-length films under the main competitions are: Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching by Inna Salazar and Dos Ocampo, Dagsin by Atom Magadia, Hiblang Abo by Ralston Jover, I America by Ivan Andrew Payawal, Kusina by David Corpuz & Cenon Palomares, Lando at Bugoy by Vic Acedillo, Jr., Mercury is Mine by Jason Paul Laxamana, Pamilya Ordinaryo by Eduardo Roy, Jr., and Tuos by Derick Cabrido.

 

FULL-LENGTH FILMS DIRECTORS.

 

A total of nineteen new digital independent films have made it to the main competition – nine entries for full-length feature and ten entries for short feature.  Cinemalaya will also offer Festival’s Best, Asian Showcase, Cinemalaya Documentaries, Tribute to Francis Pasion, and Cinemalaya Institute showcase.

The lucky audience at the opening ceremony also got their exclusive chance to be part of Gala Premiere of Carlo Obispo’s award winning film “1-2-3” at the CCP Main Theater. He also acknowledged the presence of the film’s young stars, Carlos Dala as Luis, Barbara Miguel as Lulu and Therese Malvar as Maricar.

 

DIRECTOR CARLO OBISPO was very delighted that his craft was chosen to become the opening film for the Cinemalaya Festival.

 

You can also watch this year’s Cinemalaya Film entries in Ayala Theaters in Greenbelt 3 and Glorietta, Makati, Fairview Terraces, TriNoma, and UP Town Center, Quezon City and Solenad, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. In Cebu, Cinemalaya will be held at the Ayala Center Cebu on August 9-14.

“To date, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of 127 full feature independent films and 106 short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.” – Cinemalaya.org

For more information about Cinemalaya, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya Facebook page or CCP Media Arts at telephone number 832-1125 local 1704-1705 and the CCP box office at 832-3704.

To see full details of this year’s festival, visit: http://www.cinemalaya.org/news/12th-cinemalaya-opens-august-ccp-expands-cebu