This year is the 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival with the theme: “Layag.” The theme “Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” is an ode to a vessel that perseveres and continues to sail despite funding challenges and other issues that nearly prevented its comeback.
The festival returns from October 3 to 12, 2025. For this edition, there will be 10 full-length and 10 short films.
Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza is a new venue partner and main screening location, while Ayala Malls remains as a longstanding supporter of CCP and Cinemalaya. Gateway Cineplex is also joining the list of venues for screenings.
Here’s a rundown of the Full Length Films:
1. “Bloom Where You Are Planted” by Nonilon Abao
Set in Cagayan Valley, the documentary centers on Agnes, Amanda, and Randy, who are unable to return home. Agnes has been “relentlessly pursued” by the government, Amanda is kept between bars, and Randy is killed while heading home.
2. “Child No. 82” by Tim Rone
Cast: JM Ibarra, Rochelle Pangilinan, Inah Evans, Zairene Fernandez, Vhong Navarro, and Kai Montinola
Sixteen-year-old Max is the rumored illegitimate child of the late Maximo “Boy Kana” Maniego Jr., the biggest action star of Philippine cinema. Max is desperate to prove that he is “Boy Kana’s” 82nd child in hopes of claiming his inheritance for his pregnant teenage girlfriend and their child — before the clock strikes midnight.
3. “Cinemartyrs” by Sari Dalena
Cast: Nour Hooshmand, Cedrick Juan, Raquel Villavicencio, Angel Aquino, Lav Diaz, Kidlat Tahimik, Ligaya Amilbangsa, Soliman Cruz, Bong Cabrera, Laila Ulao, Giancarlo Abrahan, Iana Bernardez, Nor Domingo, Danny Palisa, Andre Miguel, Victor Medina, Yian Gabriel, Kobe Sanchez, Shane Bernabe, Roven Alejandro, Nelson Dino, Rob Rownd, Dax Alejandro, Air Salazar, Dexter Macaraeg, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, and Rolando Inocencio
Determined to prove herself, a young filmmaker visits war-torn locations to explore the battlegrounds of forgotten massacres in the Philippines. While shooting at a “site where a thousand men, women, and children were slaughtered,” the filmmaker unknowingly awakens the angry spirits plaguing the area.
4. “Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan” by Dustin Celestino
Cast: Dolly de Leon, Jojit Lorenzo, Zanjoe Marudo, Mylene Dizon
Coming from different backgrounds, Kiko (a political strategist), Bea (a history professor), David (a “disillusioned” speechwriter), and Mela (an election lawyer) cope with a painful political defeat and how it would affect their daily lives.
5. “Padamlágan” (Night Light) by Jenn Romano
Cast: Ely Buendia, Esteban Mara, Sue Prado, Floyd Tena, Mildren Anne Estela, Frank Peñones
Set in Naga City in 1972, Doring finds himself in horror as the historic Colgante Bridge collapses due to the weight of the crowd. All hope is lost as Martial Law is declared shortly after.
6. “Paglilitis” by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon
Cast: Rissey Reyes-Robinson, Eula Valdez, Leo Martinez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Sid Lucero, Bombi Plata, Rolando Inocencio, Cherry Malvar, Barbara Miguel
A victim of sexual assault, Jonalyn Samuel eventually finds the strength to file a case against her former employer, who has long established himself as the CEO of one of the biggest companies in the Philippines. Despite receiving support from the public, disaster struck when she was framed as the perpetrator instead of the victim.
7. “Open Endings” by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente
Cast: Janella Salvador, Klea Pineda, Leanne Mamonong, Jasmine Curtis-Smith
Despite their past romantic histories, queer 30-somethings Hannah, Charlie, Kit, and Mihan remain lifelong friends. However, their friendship will be tested when Hannah is “faced with a decision that changes everything without warning.”
8. “Republika ng Pipolipinas” by Renei Dimla
Cast: Geraldine Villamil, Alessandra de Rossi, Kakki Teodoro, Natalie Maligalig, JM Salvado, Bon Lentejas, Lian Silverio, Shun Mark Gomez, Mitzi Comia, Yian Gabriel, Brylle Parzuelo, Sigrid Polon, Sisa Bernardo, Antonio Vasquez, Xiao Chua, Chad Kinis
In a protest against the government’s plan to take over her land, Cora Vitug established her own micronation called Republika ng Pipolipinas. Despite the government’s attempts to seize control of her land, Cora and her people prove that the people are stronger than those in power.
9. “Raging” by Ryan Machado
Cast: Elijah Canlas, Ron Angeles, Reynald Raisel Santos, Glenn Sevilla Mas
Eli retreats into “silence and isolation” after he was raped by one of his peers in the 1990s. As he tries to return to his normal life, he finds himself facing his abuser through shadows — until witnessing the vanishing of a plane crash that will change his life completely.
10. “Warla” by Kevin Alambra
Cast: Jervi Wrightson, Lance Reblando, Serena Magiliw, Valeria Ortega, Jacky Woo, Dimples Romana
Kitkat was taken in a group of transgender female warriors who kidnap foreign foreigners to fund their gender-affirming surgeries. She finds belonging in the group, discovering that she has a family outside of her own.
Are you excited to watch all of these exciting, brave and bold full lengths? That’s independent film for you!
Visit the website and social media platforms of Cinemalaya and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the latest in screening schedules and how you can score your day pass and festival passes to the most anticipated independent film festival of the year!
