Cinemalaya 22 hails psychological horror Mag-iina for best film

 

Movie Review: 2 Valid IDs

2 Valid IDs follows Sylvia, a poor farmer who needs to claim money sent by a relative for the medical treatment of her husband, Ramon, who is suffering from severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). But there’s one problem: she doesn’t have a single valid ID, let alone the required two. What seems like a simple requirement becomes an impossible challenge, forcing Sylvia to seek help from a fixer while dealing with exhausting lines, bureaucracy, hunger, and dwindling resources. As her husband’s condition worsens, Sylvia is pushed to confront the limits of her faith, conscience, and humanity.

Movie Review: Ganggang

Ganggang is a simple but meaningful film that has an important story to tell, especially for those who feel oppressed and those who continue to fight and rebel against the things they believe are wrong. What I appreciate about the film is how it presents these serious issues in a light and accessible way. It does not feel overly heavy or preachy, yet underneath its simple story is a message about oppression, resistance, having a voice, and standing up against those who abuse their power.

Movie Review: Hand of God

Hand of God shines with its message about the victims of war and the division of faith in the southern part of the Philippines. Set in a remote village scarred by years of conflict, the film follows a military lieutenant who sets up a football post to gain the trust of the community. What begins as a tactical strategy eventually becomes deeply personal when he forms a bond with the children, especially ten-year-old Khaleel, a child soldier who finds an unexpected refuge in football.

Movie Review: Tirik

Tirik follows Paring Bert, a weary but steadfast priest, and Santos, a parishioner and taxi driver haunted by his past, as they embark on a gritty journey to make peace with their moral conflicts while trying to elude an assassination attempt. Set against the backdrop of Manila’s unforgiving streets during the height of the drug war, what begins as an ordinary funeral visit turns into a day-long odyssey filled with guilt, redemption, moral reckoning, and questions about faith, justice, and vengeance.
 

Movie Review: Kaka Sa Yawan

Kaka sa Yawan is a coming-of-age story that brings us to Mindoro and introduces us to the friendship between Niko, a young boy from Manila, and Ayan, a Tadyawan-Mangyan boy with big dreams. Through their bond, the film explores friendship, childhood, grief, identity, and the promises we carry even as we grow older.

Movie Review: Mag-Iina

Absurd is one word I would use to describe Mag-Iina, but that absurdity is also its weapon, allowing the film to shine among the entries of Cinemalaya 2026.

Movie Review: Animal

A seemingly ordinary day in a small, unnamed province in the Philippines takes an unexpected turn when Lily, the mayor’s daughter, returns home with a compromising video involving the governor. As the mayor scrambles to protect his longtime ally from scandal, tensions begin to rise within his own household. His wife, Ofel, sees an opportunity to expose the truth to the governor’s wife, while Lily threatens to make the video public unless the governor gives her his beloved dog.

Movie Review: Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam

Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam champions its story through the ensemble acting of its four leads—Martin del Rosario, Yayo Aguila, Jeffrey Quizon, and Miguel Odron. What could have been a simple story about a family facing a difficult situation becomes something much more emotionally layered because of its strong screenplay, natural dialogue, and thoughtful storytelling.

Movie Review: Status: Rejected

Virginia "Biring" Divinagracia (Ruby Ruiz) is a 69-year-old widow who has spent her life caring for her daughter and granddaughter while holding on to one dream—to reunite with her son in America. After her fourth U.S. visa rejection, an old friend introduces her to the digital world, where she meets Steve, an American stranger who makes her feel seen and loved again. As her hope of finally reaching America grows, the line between dream and reality slowly begins to blur.

Ruby Ruiz draws early Best Actress buzz in youngest director Vahn Pascual's Cinemalaya debut Status: Rejected

 

The diverse jury members for Cinemalaya 2026 and the NETPAC award

 

Cinemalaya 22 Opening and Closing Films Reflect the Diversity of Filipino Experiences

 

Award-winning “58th” heads to Cinemalaya for Philippine premiere

 

Cinemalaya 2026: Janine Gutierrez, Ruru Madrid, Iza Calzado, Pokwang and More Headline This Year's Festival

 

Fearless stories that will hoist the Balanghai sail in Cinemalaya 2026

Documentary “Bloom Where You Are Planted” Triumphs as Best Film at Cinemalaya 21

My Verdict for Cinemalaya 2025 Film Festival

Review: Cinemalaya 2025 Short Film Features Set B

 

Review: Cinemalaya 2025 Short Film Features Set A