Cinemalaya 2025 to feature 20 films from Oct 3 to 12

The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, themed "Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos," will showcase 10 full-length and 10 short films from October 3 to 12.

Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza will serve as the main venue, with Ayala Malls and Gateway Cineplex later screening the films.

Festival president Laurice Guillen stated that the entire process from submission to completion took approximately 20 months.

She mentioned that work on the 2026 batch has already commenced, with 20 semi-finalists in the Film Lab.

The 10 full-length competing films include "Bloom Where You Are Planted," "Child No. 82," "Cinemartyrs," "Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan," "Padamlágan" (Night Light), "Paglilits," "Open Endings," "Republika ng Pipolipinas," "Raging," and "Warla."

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Noni Abao is a documentary about land rights activists, featuring the stories of Agnes Mesina, Amanda Echanis, and Randy Malayao.

Tim Rone Villanueva's "Child No. 82" is a full-length directorial debut that follows the aftermath of the death of action-movie star Boy Kana.

The festival aims to tell stories that challenge and entertain, confronting issues like abuse, corruption, and forgotten histories while also highlighting healing, hope, and chosen families.

This year's edition is described as "downscaled" with no special screenings or talkbacks, primarily using the mall as a screening venue while the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is under rehabilitation.