Every Cinemalaya edition won’t be complete without the presence of it’s various Short Films made with passion and dedication by seasoned and budding film makers.
Here are this year’s game changing and competing Short Films for Cinemalaya 21:
1. “Ascension from the Office Cubicle” by Hannah Silvestre
Cast: Ginger Nolasco, Dads Valencia
Thelma craves a change of space away from the confined corners of her job’s “oppressive monotony and exploitation.” After meeting a charming lotto presenter, she becomes obsessed with him, which ultimately unravels her day-to-day life.
2. “Figat” by Handiong Kapuno
Cast: Aeoli Siagan, Tiffany Pagigian
Kalinga-born Ching-ay brings a sense of cultural pride from her hometown after bringing a traditional instrument to class.
3. “Hasang” by Daniel de la Cruz
Cast: Igan James Nualda
One summer, Boni was shocked upon witnessing his grandmother transform into a tilapia.
4. “I’m Best Left Inside My Head” by Elian Idioma
Cast: Elian Idioma, Lau Cortes, Aj Prudenciado, Glemuel Rigo, Romnic Calosor, Andrea Idioma
Twenty-something golden boy Alec Dominguez, who was adopted by gay philanthropists, reunites with his old friends from the Dominguez orphanage — although he notices the way they communicate with him is somewhat off.
5. “Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit” by Marie Estela Paiso
Cast: Leonardo Cuaresma, Joel Elejorde, Luis Fontilla, Ranel Madela, Rea Jane Realizo, Noraiza Alog, Moises Dulatre, Sylvia Reyes, Maria Estela Paiso
Sita and her mother transform into half-human and half-fish, where they navigate their difficult past, amid the territorial aggression of China in the West Philippine Sea.
6. “Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod” by Seth Andrew Blanca
Cast: Ryan Galleca, Lheo Fernando Fonseca, Anthony Ken Bucasas, Seth Andrew Blanca, Ma. Erica Seidel, Eddie Odicta Jr., Giovani Borja, Elester Saquilabon, Winston Farinas
Despite sending money to his girlfriend, an ordinary seaman was told the money was not enough, leading him to borrow money from an officer. The seaman is unable to pay back his debt and tries to ease the officer’s demands through massages. However, anxiety, guilt, and despair lead the seaman to come face to face with a certain “Thing.”
7. “Please Keep This Copy” by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta
Cast: Class of M2017, Teachers of M2017
High school students navigate through the growing control and repression of an elite private all-boys school, where they find their own voice along the way.
8. “Radikals” by Arvin Belarmino
Cast: Elora Españo, Timothy Castillo, Ross Pesigan
A young, inexperienced dancer of the “Bakte” troupe finds herself in the middle of an embarrassment after a disastrous moment in the middle of a performance. However, this leads to a string of bizarre events.
9. “The Next 24 Hours” by Carl Joseph Papa
Cast: Christela Marquez
Twenty-nine-year-old Sheila struggles to reclaim control of her narrative after being sexually assaulted. She finds herself having to deal with a “detached healthcare system, hides her trauma at work, and resists her assailant’s manipulation.”
10. “Water Sports” by Whammy Alcazaren
Cast: Elijah Canlas, Renz Javier, Bon Lentejas, Ricky Davao
Jelson and Ipe, who are described to be “deep in love,” navigate through the struggles of the mind and body to survive a world destroyed by climate change.
Set your schedules ahead so you won’t miss these 10 Short Films sailing their way to Cinemalaya 21 happening October 3 to 12, 2025 at Edsa Shangrila Red Carpet Cinemas, Gateway Cineplex and Ayala Malls.
Visit the website and follow the Facebook page of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for news and updates on Cinemalaya 21.
