Three entries by Mindanaoan filmmakers are among the ten finalists of the Full Length category of this year’s Cinemalaya competition. Maguindanaon filmmaker Gutierrez Mangansakan II’s Limbunan is a glimpse of the hidden world of the “limbunan” where brides-to-be are kept away from public view. Sheron Dayoc’s Halaw is the journey of a Badjao father and daughter as they sneak through the Southern backdoor and make the illegal crossing to the island of Sabah. Arnel Mardoquio’s Sheika is the story of a woman ravaged by the war; in search of peace, she runs to the City where violence and death continue to haunt her.
These tales from Mindanao are just some of the many fascinating stories that will unfold in the 2010 Cinemalaya Independent Film Competition and Festival slated on July 9-18 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Also competing in the full length category of the competition are: Mayohan by Dan Villegas and Paul Sta. Ana,Magkakapatid by Kim Homer C. Garcia, Rekrut by Danny Anonuevo, Sampaguita by Francis Xavier Pasion, Si Techie, Si Teknoboy at si JuanaB by Art Katipunan, Siya ang Mayor Ko by Dennis N. Marasigan and The Leaving by Ian-Dean S. Lorenos.
Mayohan is a coming of age story set against the backdrop of Maytime festivities in Quezon province. Magkakapatidis about a family, torn apart and brought together by tragedy. Rekrut is about the friendship of a devout Muslim and a Christian who belong to an elite group of young military recruits. Sampaguita traces the journey of the sampaguita flower from buds plucked in the province to their final destination in the city where they are sold by children. The Leaving depicts the social, moral and cultural issues that the new generation of Tsinoys must deal with. Siya ang Mayor Ko follows the campaign trail of a woman candidate on the last day of the campaign period.
The finalists of the Full Length Feature category will be awarded an initial seed investment of P500,000 from Cinemalaya Foundation as a production grant.
Big name and established directors will be adding luster to this year’s Cinemalaya in the new Open category. Competing in this category are Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio by Mario O’Hara, Isang Pirasong Buhay by Mark Meily, Pink Halo-Halo by Joselito Altarejos, Sigwa by Joel Lamangan, and Two Funerals by Gil Portes. The Open category features works by Filipino directors who have directed at least three full-length feature films which have been released commercially. The five finalists of the Open category will be awarded a seed production grant of P500,000 from the Grassroots Film Production and Distribution Inc, plus an additional P100,000 post production grant.
Cinemalaya has two major competition categories, namely, the Full Length Feature category and the Short Feature category. Entries to the Short Feature category are still being accepted until February 16 at the CCP Media Arts Office.
Awards for all categories will be given on July 18, 2010 at the CCP.
The Best Full Length Feature film will receive a prize of P200,000 and the Balanghai Trophy. The Best Short Feature film will receive a prize of P100,000 and a Balanghai Trophy. The Best Film in the Open category will receive a prize of P300,000 and the Balanghai Trophy.
Now on its sixth year, the Cinemalaya Competition and Festival is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, CCP, Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments Inc. It is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.
