Due to cancellations of major public events and gatherings brought upon by COVID-19, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, for the first time in its 16-year run will be conducting online short film festival and competition beginning August 7 to 16, 2020.
Of the 244 entries submitted following this year’s theme, “Streaming Consciousness,” 10 finalists were selected to compete for the Best Film award. Moreover, there will be no full-length feature entries to be adjudged due to the pandemic’s severe impact to filmmaking.
Here are the 10 short film finalists:
1. Ang Gasgas na Plaka ni Lolo Bert (The Broken Vinyl Record) by Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori
2. Ang Pagpakalma sa Unos (To Calm the Pig Inside) by Joanna Vasquez Arong
3. Excuse Me Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento
4. Fatigued by James Mayo
5. Living Things by Martika Ramirez Escobar
6. Pabasa Kan Pasyon (Chanting the Passion) by Hubert Tibi
7. Tokwifi by Carla Pulido Ocampo
8. Utwas (Arise) by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay
9. The Slums by Jan Andrei Cobey
10. Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under the Sun) by Reeden Fajardo
In addition to these, films from Eiga Sai Japanese Film Festival and EU Fil Festival will be presented.
Furthermore, there will also be 10 short films to compete for Gawad Alternatibo Competition and Exhibition and a restored film from ABS-CBN Film Archives, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo starring Nora Aunor.
The film festival will also be giving tribute film screenings for Anita Linda and Peque Gallaga.
All films will be available thru Vimeo during the first two weeks of the festival which will then be accessible on iWant for local and TFC Global for overseas audiences.
Cinemalaya offers affordable access rates which include bundle of five titles at Php75.00 and a whole season pass at Php350.00 with access to all films, webinars, and talkbacks.