Fresh off its acclaimed world premiere in the Berlinale Panorama section of the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, Dominik Locher’s latest feature film, Enjoy Your Stay, has been officially selected to open the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. Presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in collaboration with Belgium-based sales agent Be For Films, the film boasts a compelling screenplay penned by Honeylyn Joy Alipio. Local audiences can catch the film’s grand Philippine Premiere on August 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Red Carpet Cinemas 1 & 2 in Shangri-La Plaza, with admission offered completely free to the public.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Enjoy Your Stay follows the story of Luz, an undocumented Filipina working at an exclusive ski resort. As she navigates the physical demands of her job and the constant uncertainty of her legal status, the narrative uncovers the harsh realities and quiet sacrifices of migrant workers hidden beneath the surface of luxury tourism. The film resonates deeply with this year’s festival theme, “Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections,” which highlights cinema as a mirror to authentic human experiences and a bridge toward deeper empathy.
The film is anchored by internationally acclaimed actress Mercedes Cabral, who first gained global attention through her standout roles in Brillante Mendoza’s Serbis and Kinatay. Joining Cabral in this poignant narrative is an ensemble of celebrated Filipino performers—including Anna Luna, Irma Adlawan, Donna Cariaga, Hasmine Kilip, and Madeleine Nicolas—alongside a cast of international actors. Since its Berlin debut, the project has drawn widespread praise for its sharp examination of economic inequality and Cabral’s powerful lead performance.
FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes recalled the overwhelming reception the film received overseas, noting how moving it was to watch a global audience enthusiastically applaud the talent of the Filipina on a world stage. He emphasized that given the right opportunities, Filipino actresses consistently prove they are nothing short of world-class. Following its opening night at Cinemalaya, Enjoy Your Stay will also be featured in the upcoming lineup of FDCP Presents: A Curation of World Cinema, bringing acclaimed international titles directly to local viewers.