ENTERTAINMENT NEWS, REVIEWS
Director Alpha Habon shifts from comedy to drama with his Cinemalaya film Kaka Sa Yawan. Centered on Tadyawan-Mangyan heritage, the film stars Beaver Magtalas and Nicolo Mercader in a moving story about friendship, grief, healing, and unfulfilled promises.
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.
LG Electronics Philippines proudly joins hands with Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival as Major Sponsor, further solidifying its commitment to empowering Filipino artistry and innovation. This year’s theme, “Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos”, continues the festival’s legacy of celebrating Filipino independent films and supporting new filmmakers, keeping Philippine cinema vibrant with stories that reflect and capture real Filipino life.
The bigness of the film covers a lot of themes, but what stood out to me is its appreciation to classic Pinoy fantasy action films. ‘Child No. 82’ is a love letter to a genre that most adults today have fond memories of.
“Paano nila natago sa isang bayan ang sarili nilang kasaysayan?” First line on its first seconds, the trailer for Cinemalaya 2025 official entry ‘Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra Ang Kasaysayan,’ not only piques interest but also hits home.
Continuing the tradition of bold storytelling, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sets sail once more from October 3 to 12, propelled by the unwavering strength of the Filipino spirit amidst change and turbulent times.
PBB Gen 11 JM Ibarra in his first lead-role in Cinemalaya movie ‘CHILD NO. 82.’ He will be joined by Vhong Navarro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Vance Larena, Kai Montinola, Irma Adlawan, Iya Mina, Che Ramos, Donna Cariaga, Dexter Doria, and Zairene Fernandez.
Read our reviews of #Cinemalaya2024 entries Tumandok and Kono Basho.
Now showing at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Market Market and UP Town Center cinemas. #CinemalayaXX #Cinemalaya2024
Here are our full reviews of #CinemalayaXX entries ‘ALIPATO AT MUOG’ and ‘AN ERRAND.’
Now showing at select Ayala Malls Cinemas. #Cinemalaya2024
Jansen Magpusao’s immense screen presence and raw performance will fill the screen with tension and will keep you engrossed in Sheron Dayoc’s coming-of-age drama thriller. The Gospel of the Beast takes us to the cruel reality of having no parental figure and the effects of being in the company of wrong people.
Read our review of #CinemalayaXX opening film ‘THE GOSPEL OF THE BEAST.’ #Cinemalaya 2024