Cinemalaya is one of those annual events that gets film goers excited. Why wouldn’t they be? This festival has launched careers of filmmakers and has given an independent platform for filmmakers including the actors we only see on TV and commercial movies. And for their 15th edition, we can expect a new set of emerging talents molding Filipino cinema.
Here are the trailers of the 10 films you can add to your Cinemalaya watch list.
ANI: The Harvest dir. by Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario
Mithi is an orphaned boy who moves to his grandfather’s farm. When his grandfather fell ill, he goes on a journey with his faulty robot in order to find the magical grains that will cure his relative.
Read more: You can buy a discounted Cinemalaya all-access pass from Feb. 1 to 3
Iska dir. by Theodore Boborol
Set in the campus of UP Diliman, Iska is about an autistic child’s grandmother who has lost everything and turns into what society expects her to be.
Pandanggo Sa Hukay dir. by Sheryl Rose M. Andes
Elena might be a young, single midwife living in poverty—but the optimist in her never died. In Pandanggo sa Hukay, we’ll see a Iza Calzado’s role on a journey to become an OFW as she prepares for its nerve-wracking job interview.
Malamaya dir. by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez
This film is about a pessimistic middle-aged artist who crosses paths with a young photographer, giving the artist a new creative jolt and a reawakened sexual desire.
Belle Douleur dir. by Joji V. Alonso
Starring Mylene Dizon and Kit Thompson, this film follows a woman’s search for bliss and satisfaction through submission and letting things go.
Read more: Hold up, Lino Brocka saw Filipino indie cinema’s rise 32 years ago?
John Denver Trending dir. by Arden Rod Condez
Based on true events, this film explores a moment in time where people’s lives were shaped by social media in the Antique. It’s the story of how a young boy’s life changed after the video of him attacking his classmate became viral. This is the first Cinemalaya entry shot in the town of Pandan, Antique.
Annak Ti Karayan (Children of the River) dir. by Maricel Cariaga
It tells the story of how a young boy and his friends grew up way too fast as they take care of their families without their fathers. With their estranged fathers, they try to live a normal life as they suppress their inner demons along the way.
Ward dir. by Thop Nazareno
This coming-of-age film tells a story of Jojo, a young boy forced to live under the hospital bed of an ailing father. The film follows his life as he tries to regain some sort of normalcy in his weird living situation.
Read more: Chai Fonacier on stepping out of her comfort zone for art’s sake
Fucc Bois dir. by Eduardo Roy, Jr
No teaser or trailer has been released yet. But if its a film from the director of Pamilya Ordinaryo, we can expect some great things, regardless of the fact that it is literally called “fucc bois.”
Tabon dir. by Xian Lim
Are you ready for Xian Lim’s directorial debut? It is a rather heavy suspense/crime thriller. The film revolves around a man’s perception of reality becoming distorted as innocent people around him are accused of a crime they took no part of.
Photo from Ani: The Harvest