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Sinag Maynila 2024 proudly announced the nominees and winners of its sixth edition during the prestigious Gabi ng Parangal, held at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila on September 8, 2024. The event was a highlight of National Industry Month and part of the City of Manila’s Tourism Month celebrations.

In the feature film category, Her Locket, a deeply moving story of forgiveness and redemption inspired by Best Actress Rebecca Chuaunsu’s real-life experiences, stood out as the biggest winner, taking home eight awards. Close behind was The Gospel of the Beast, a gripping tale of a boy caught in the dangers of gang life, which earned two accolades.

The judges lauded Her Locket for its epic narrative, compelling discourse, authentic performances, meticulous design, and subtle cinematography. Special recognition was given to producer and lead actress Rebecca Chuaunsu for her “effortless portrayal of a demented woman reconnecting with the past through her locket.”

Best Actor Ronnie Lazaro of The Gospel of the Beast received praise for his raw and realistic portrayal, which captivated the audience and judges alike.

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Below is the complete list of Sinag Maynila 2024 nominees and winners:

A. Full-length feature film category

Best Film
Nominees:
“The Gospel of the Beast”
“Her Locket” – winner

Best Actress
Nominees:
Kira Balinger, “Maple Leaf Dreams”
Rebecca Chuaunsu,  “Her Locket” – winner

Best Actor
Nominees:
Tony Labrusca, “What You Did”
LA Santos, “Maple Leaf Dreams”
Bryan Wong, “Banjo”
Ronnie Lazaro, “The Gospel of the Beast” – winner

Best Director
Nominees:
Sheron Dayoc, “The Gospel of the Beast”
Bryan Wong, “Banjo”
JE Tiglao, “Her Locket” – winner

Best Supporting Actor
Nominees:
Boo Gabunada, “Her Locket”
Jansen Magpusao, “The Gospel of the Beast” – winner

Best Supporting Actress 
Elora Españo, “Her Locket” – winner

Best Screenplay
Nominees:
Benedict Mique & Hannah Cruz, “Maple Leaf Dreams”
Bryan Wong, “Banjo”
JE Tiglao & Miranda, “Her Locket” – winner

Best Editing
Nominees:
Beng Bandong, “What You Did”
Lawrence Ang, “The Gospel of the Beast”
Bryan Wong, “Banjo” – winner

Best Production Design
James Rosendal, “Her Locket” – winner

Best Cinematography
Nominees:
Rommel Andreo Sales, “The Gospel of the Beast”
Rain Yamson II, LPS, “Talahib”
Bryan Wong, “Banjo”
Jag Concepcion, “Her Locket” – winner

Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Acting – “Her Locket”

People’s Choice Award – “Talahib”  (Tall Grass)

B. Short film category

Best Short Film – “As The Moth Flies” by Gayle Oblea

2nd Best Short Film – “Bisan Abo Wala Bilin” (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains” by Kyd Torato

3rd Best Short Film – “Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos” (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena 

C. Documentary category

Best Documentary – “Ino” by Raniel Semana

Special Jury Prize – “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig” (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo

Special Jury Prize – “Ghosts of Kalantiyaw” by Chuck Escasa

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The finalists— seven full-length feature films, 10 short films and seven documentaries—were selected by film critic and Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member Tito Valiente, filmmaker and independent cinema advocate Juliet Cuizon-Licaros and writer, director and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Head of Education Division Rica Arevalo. All three are part of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Committee on Cinema; of which Mr. Valiente is the Vice Head, Ms. Cuizon-Licaros is the Secretary and Ms. Arevalo is a member.

Director Zig Dulay and actress Harlene Bautista served as jurors of the Short Film and Documentary categories, while screenwriter Bibeth Orteza, documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz and director Lav Diaz were jurors of the Full Length Feature category.

Sinag Maynila founder, Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng, pointed out that this year’s films were chosen from hundreds of entries, and are representative of the current Filipino cinema landscape. “Yan po ay mula sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng bansa,” said Mr. Tieng, the “Father” of Sinag Maynila. “Hindi lamang dito sa Metro Manila.” He thanked the supporters who trooped to the cinemas to watch in spite of last week’s bad weather, and urged the audience to catch the films in the cinemas.

Likewise, Sinag Maynila co-founder Brillante Mendoza thanked all the “lovers of Filipino independent films.” The Cannes International Film Festival Best Director said, “Napakahalaga po sa amin na nakiki-isa kayo sa indie filmmakers na naging passion na ang paggawa ng pelikula… Hindi lamang dugo, pawis ang ibinubuhos sa paglikha, kundi pati ang kinabukasan, minsan, ay kailangang itaya para maisakatuparan ang mga pangarap.”

Manila Mayor Dr. Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan likened Sinag Maynila to “(a) beacon for filmmakers… providing a platform to tell meaningful stories that capture the essence of our society.” She added, “By fostering and highlighting socially relevant films, we continue to push the boundaries of Philippine cinema.”

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.