Cinemalaya officially launched its 2025 festival on Sept. 3 at EDSA Shangri-La’s East Atrium, unveiling ten full-length features and ten short films that will compete from October 3 to 12, under the theme “Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos.”
Festival director Chris Millado acknowledged that Cinemalaya nearly stumbled in the past year, facing funding problems alongside logistical setbacks.
With support from the Cinemalaya Foundation and partner venues, the festival secured new homes at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, Gateway Cineplex, and Ayala Malls.
Chris Millado
“Cinemalaya almost capsized,” Millado admitted, pointing to the rough waters the festival had to navigate. “But the creative wind that has carried us from the start is still here.”
Among the full-length finalists are Dustin Celestino’s Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan, starring Dolly de Leon and Zanjoe Marudo; Republika ng Pipolipinas with Alessandra de Rossi; Raging featuring Elijah Canlas; and Sari Dalena’s Cinemartyrs, which includes Angel Aquino, Lav Diaz, and Kidlat Tahimik. Music icon Ely Buendia also makes his acting debut in Padamlagan.
Other entries include Bloom Where You Are Planted by Nonilon Abao, Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Paglilitis by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon, Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente, and Warla by Kevin Alambra.
Ten short films will also vie for the Balanghai Trophy: Ascension from the Office Cubicle by Hannah Silvestre, Figat by Handiong Kapuno, Hasang by Daniel de la Cruz, I’m Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idioma, Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit by Marie Estela Paiso, Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod by Seth Andrew Blanca, Please Keep This Copy by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta, Radikals by Arvin Belarmino, The Next 24 Hours by Carl Joseph Papa, and Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren.
Every film that reaches Cinemalaya goes through a lengthy and meticulous journey. Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen said it starts with a call for entries, followed by script reviews, interviews, and a cut down to 20 semifinalists.
These entries go through a three-month film lab before the final ten are chosen. From submission to premiere, the cycle runs for about 20 months.
“It’s a continuing process,” Guillen said. “Difficult, sometimes almost impossible, but necessary and meaningful for the industry.”
She added that even as this year’s edition gets underway, preparations for 2026 are already moving forward. “It never really stops. Even as we launch the 2025 films, the next batch is already in motion,” she said.
For the CCP, the festival represents more than a yearly tradition. With the main building under rehabilitation, Cinemalaya’“Independent cinema thrives when it is accessible,” said CCP president Kaye Tinga.
“This year, our sails catch not only the winds of creativity but also the chance to bring Filipino stories to new harbors. Cinemalaya has always been about navigating difficult truths and bold storytelling, and that journey continues.”
Since its founding in 2005, the festival has been a launchpad for many of today’s most respected filmmakers, including Dan Villegas, Kip Oebanda, and Zig Dulay. Its alumni have gone on to win recognition both locally and internationally, proving that the independent scene is fertile ground for world-class talent.
With stories that range from the deeply personal to the politically charged, this year’s edition promises to challenge once again, inspire, and entertain.s move to partner venues has also opened opportunities to reach wider audiences.
