The much-awaited return of Cinemalaya to the Cultural Center of the Philippines is finally here.
After two years of virtual screenings, the film festival will be returning to on-site screenings starting August 5, 2022. Now on its 18th year, Cinemalaya’s theme is “Breaking Through the Noise” and will be featuring 11 full-length films:
12 Weeks, directed by Anna Isabelle Matutina, is about a single 40-year-old woman who finds out she is pregnant. The movie stars Max Eigenmann, Bing Pimentel, Vance Larena, and Claudia Enriquez.
Angkas, directed by Rainero C. Yamson II and written by Jaymar Santos-Castro, depicts the journey of two estranged friends as they attempt to retrieve their dead friend aboard a habal-habal. The movie stars Joem Bascon, Benjamin Alves, and Meryll Soriano, with the special participation of Jolo Estrada.
Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin?, directed by Real S. Florido, follows the life of a deaf couple whose marriage starts to fall apart. The film stars Janine Gutierrez and JC de Vera.
Batsoy, directed by Ronald Espinosa Batallones, is a drama-fantasy that follows two young siblings who embark on an adventure to satisfy their craving for the much-loved food. It stars Ethan Sean Sotto, Markko Cambas, Karen Laurrie Mendoza, and Jonalie Asdolo.
Blue Room, directed by Ma-An L. Asuncion-Dagñalan, is about the story of rock band members who have to choose between their freedom and standing up for their beliefs. The movie stars Juan Karlos, Harvey Bautista, Nourijune, Keoni Jin, Elijah Canlas, Soliman Cruz, Bombi Plata, Jericho Arceo, Bon Lentejas, and Richard Cepeda.
Bula sa Langit, directed by Sheenly Gener, is about a traumatized young soldier who struggles to reconnect with his family upon his return home. It stars Gio Gahol and Kate Alejandrino.
Ginhawa, directed by Christian Paolo Lat, follows the story of an aspiring boxer who discovers the ugly realities of the sports he loves. The movie stars Andrew Ramsay, Duane Lucas Pascua, Ruby Ruiz, and Rolando Inocencio.
Kaluskos, directed by Roman S. Perez Jr., is a psychological thriller involving a mother who discovers something underneath her young daughter’s bed. The film stars Coleen Garcia, Queenzy Calma, Karl Medina, Cara Gonzales, and Elore Espano.
Kargo, directed by TM Malones, follows a woman who falls into a deep depression after her family’s death. The movie stars Max Eigenmann, Jess Mendoza, and Myles Robles.
Retirada, directed by Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia Cruz-Paz, is about a retired government employee who discovers the joy and danger of the game, bingo. The movie stars Peewee O’Hara, Jerry O’Hara, Donna Cariaga, Dexter Doria, Nanding Josef, Lui Manansala, and Johana Basanta.
The Baseball Player, directed by Carlo Obispo, is about a Moro child soldier who has to decide between playing baseball and joining the war. The movie stars Tommy Alejandrino and JM San Jose.
For more information about each movie and the festival, check out their website and Cinemalaya’s official Facebook page.
