Earlier this year in May, the Film Development Council of the Philippines announced that it will be holding its first ever Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino in August in which 790 cinemas from all over the country will exclusively screen Filipino films. Due to be held for a week from Aug. 16 to 22, the event aligned with the celebration of Buwan ng Wika and revealed its 12 finalists today.
“100 Tula para kay Stella” by Jason Paul Laxamana
A rom-com starring Bela Padilla and JC Santos as college students Stella and Fidel, where frustrated rock star Fidel tries to write 100 poems about Stella.
“Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” by Prime Cruz
A horror flick that follows Jewel (Ryza Cenon), a mysterious woman with a secret, and lonesome man Rico’s (Martin del Rosario) dramatic love story.
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“AWOL” by Enzo Williams
A military action film made in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines revolving around an army sniper played by Gerald Anderson.
“Bar Boys” by Kip Oebanda
A drama-comedy starring Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano as four law school students.
“Birdshot” by Mikhail Red
A mystery thriller that follows the manhunt for young farm girl Maya (Mary Joy Apostol), who accidentally shot and killed an endangered Philippine eagle.
“Hamog” by Ralston Jover
A drama on the struggles of four impoverished street children living on the grimy streets of Manila.
“Paglipay” by Zig Dulay
A convoluted love story between an Aeta, Atan, and city girl Rain, who meet when Atan leaves his small neolithic village Baytan to civilized town Banza.
“Patay Na si Hesus” by Victor Villanueva
A hilarious Cebuano comedy that tells the story of a family who goes on a road trip from Cebu to Dumaguete City after a sudden death strikes.
“Pauwi Na” by Paolo Villaluna
A tragic comedy that follows the road trip of a family dog, sick pedicab driver father, mother, thief son, and cigarette vendor daughter joined by a blind pregnant woman who talks to Christ.
“Salvage” by Sherad Anthony Sanchez
An action-thriller where Melay (Jessie Mendiola) and Neil (JC de Vera) are abducted by armed military men while covering a TV news story on aswang rumors in Central Mindanao.
“Star Na si Van Damme Stallone” by Randolph Longjas
A drama about the life of a kid diagnosed with Down syndrome who dreams of one day becoming an artista.
“Triptiko” by Miguel Franco Michelena
A thriller that has three storylines, featuring actors Albie Casiño, Art Acuña, Kylie Padilla, and Kean Cipriano.
Photo from Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B/Prime Cruz