CinemaBravo

Sinag Maynila Film Festival is making a comeback this year starting today, September 4. It will run until September 10 in a total of 12 select theaters across Metro Manila. With the festival gaining strong support from cinemas and partners, organizers have set an affordable ticket price of Php 200 per admission.

Tickets are available for purchase at the ticket booths of the following official partner venues:

• Gateway 2 (2 screens)
• Robinsons Galleria
• Robinsons Manila
• Market! Market!
• SM Fairview
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Manila
• SM Megamall
• SM North Edsa
• SM Southmall
• SM Sta. Mesa

Founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and Cannes International Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, Sinag Maynila is an independent film festival that showcases works embodying the “Sine Lokal, Pang-International” advocacy. Established in 2015, this year marks the festival’s highly anticipated return after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

“We are thankful to our official partner venues for giving space to our finalist films and for supporting our initiative to make the ticket price more affordable,” says Mr. Wilson Tieng. “Indeed the cinemas, along with our other supporters such as the City of Manila, are making significant contributions for the development of Philippine independent cinema and the growth of the Filipino film market.” 

Vying for awards are the following official finalists:

Full-length category

1. “The Gospel of the Beast” by Sheron Dayoc, starring Janssen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro;
2. “Her Locket” by J.E. Tiglao, starring producer-lead actress Rebecca Chuaunsu and Elora Españo;
3. “Banjo” written, directed and starring Bryan Wong;
4. “Maple Leaf Dreams,” written and directed by Benedict Mique, and starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos;
5. “What You Did” by Joan Lopez Flores, starring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, Mercedes Cabral and Ana Abad Santos;
6. “Salome” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, with Perry Dizon, Tommy Alejandrino, and Dolly de Leon in the cast; and
7. “Talahib” (Legend of the Tall Grass) by Alvin Yapan, starring Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio and Kristof Garcia. 

Documentary category

1. “Ghosts of Kalantiaw” by Chuck Escasa,
2. “Ino” by Ranniel Semana,
3. “Natatanging Palayok” (The Exceptional Pot) by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas,
4. “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig” (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo,
5. “Panatag” (Tranquil) by Allan Lazaro,
6. “Untitled/ Unfinished” by Matthew Victor Pastor, and
7. “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora. 

Short film category

1. “14 Days” by Nars Santos,
2. “Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos” (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena,
3. “As the Moth Flies” by Gayle Oblea,
4. “Bisan Abo Wala Bilin” (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains) by Kyd Torato,
5. “Kiyaw” (Hill Myna) by Jericho Jeriel,
6. “ILO” by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay,
7. “Mananguete” (The Coconut Sap Collector) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission,
8. “Ina Bulan” by Melver Ritz L. Gomez,
9. “Sa Paglupad Ka Banong” (The Flight of Banog) by Elvert Bañares, and
10. “Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan. 

The following films are going to be unveiled for the first time (world premiere status): “What You Did”, “Talahib”, “Salome”, “Maple Leaf Dreams”, “Banjo”, “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig”, “Ina Bulan”, “Way of the Balisong”, “Bisan Abo, Wala Bilin”, and “Kiyaw”. 

Meanwhile, “Untitled/Unfinished” is being shown for the first time outside Australia, its country of origin (international premiere); “As the Moth Flies” is being shown for the first time in Asia (Asian premiere), while “Her Locket” is being shown for the first time in the Philippines (Philippine premiere). 

Competition winners will be revealed at the Sinag Maynila Gabi ng Parangal on September 8, 2024, Sunday, at the Metropolitan Theater.

Sinag Maynila 2024 is supported by the City of Manila, Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.  

For updates, follow Sinag Maynila on Facebook, X, Instagram and Vimeo.