The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival once again sets sail from October 3 to 12, 2025, carrying with it the strength of the Filipino spirit amidst change and turbulent times.
For its 21st year, themed “Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos,” the festival brings together 10 full-length films and 10 short features in competition, each one daring to tell stories that move, challenge, and inspire.
Stars Grace the Mediacon
The mediacon gathered filmmakers and actors who are set to bring this year’s competition films to life:
Alessandra de Rossi joins Republika ng Pipolipinas, a thought-provoking story about a farmer who, when threatened with eviction by the local government, renounces her Filipino citizenship and builds her own micronation.
Janella Salvador, Klea Pineda, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith lead Open Endings, about four queer women in their 30s—exes turned best friends—navigating adulthood, love, friendship, chosen families, and everything in between.
Elijah Canlas and Ron Angeles star in Raging, where a young man’s quest for truth and justice intertwines with a plane crash mystery that exposes a sinister plot and threatens his community.
JM Ibarra and Rochelle Pangilinan headline Child No. 82, where a determined high school student must prove he is the 82nd child of a famous action-fantasy star to see his late father one last time.
Music icon Ely Buendia takes part in Padamlágan, a period drama set five days before Martial Law. When the Colgante Bridge collapses in Naga, a father embarks on a desperate search for his missing son.
Watch video below for the interview of the stars of Cinemalaya and filmmakers as they talk about their films.
Full-Length Films in Competition
Competing for the coveted Best Film Balanghai Trophy are:
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Bloom Where You Are Planted by Nonilon Abao
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Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva
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Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena
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Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino
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Padamlágan by Jenn Romano
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Paglilitis by Cheska Marfori and Raymund Barcelon
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Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente
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Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla
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Raging by Ryan Machado
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Warla by Kevin Alambra
Short Films in Competition
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Ascension from the Office Cubicle by Hannah Silvestre
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Figat by Handiong Kapuno
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Hasang by Daniel de la Cruz
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I’m Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idioma
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Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit by Marie Estela Paiso
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Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman sang Lawod by Seth Andrew Blanca
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Please Keep This Copy by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta
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Radikals by Arvin Belarmino
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The Next 24 Hours by Carl Joseph Papa
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Water Sports by Whammy Alcazaren
A Festival Expanding Its Reach
This year, Cinemalaya extends its screenings beyond the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza joins as a main venue, alongside longtime partner Ayala Malls Cinemas and Gateway Cineplex, giving cinephiles more opportunities to experience the festival nationwide.
Running parallel to the main event is the 37th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, the longest-running independent film competition in Southeast Asia, featuring shorts, documentaries, animation, and experimental works.
A Continuing Voyage
Since its inception in 2005, Cinemalaya has launched more than 1,000 works by independent Filipino filmmakers—many of which have gained international acclaim. Now in its 21st year, it remains the country’s most vital platform for independent cinema, championing stories that dare to speak truth and inspire change.
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