Cinemalaya 2025 braves ‘current of change’: Guide to 10 full-length indie films

Get ready, indie film enthusiasts! The acclaimed Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is back for its 21st year, running from October 3 to 12. This year, the festival invites us to "Sail through waves, wind, and storms" with its theme, "Cinemalaya 21: Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos," promising a slate of compelling stories that bravely navigate the currents of change.

The cinematic journey begins at Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza, with subsequent screenings extending to Ayala Malls and Gateway Cineplex. Brace yourselves for ten thought-provoking full-length features, spanning powerful documentaries, gripping dramas, satirical comedies, and intricate romances, all vying for the prestigious Best Film Balanghai Trophy.

First up is Noni Abao’s documentary, *Bloom Where You Are Planted*, a poignant look at three land rights activists from Cagayan Valley. It chronicles the struggles of development worker Agnes Mesina, constantly under government surveillance; Amanda Echanis, facing imprisonment; and Randy Malayao, whose life was tragically cut short. The film bravely portrays their fight to reclaim a sense of home amidst red-tagging and terror, rebuilding with the community.

Tim Rone Villanueva makes his full-length debut with *Child No. 82*, a dramedy exploring the chaotic aftermath of action-movie star Boy Kana’s death. Seventeen-year-old Max, rumored to be the star's 82nd illegitimate child, desperately queues with hundreds of other claimants. His goal? To secure his identity, a share of the inheritance, and a path to a showbiz career to support his pregnant girlfriend before public viewing hours run out. The film stars JM Ibarra, Vhong Navarro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Vance Larena, and Kai Montinola.

Sari Dalena’s *Cinemartyrs* plunges into a dark historical drama. A young filmmaker, determined to prove herself, endeavors to recreate forgotten Philippine massacres in their original war-torn locations. However, her crew soon discovers they've awakened the angry spirits of thousands slain, placing their very lives in peril. The impressive cast includes Nour Hooshmand, Cedrick Juan, Raquel Villavicencio, Angel Aquino, Lav Diaz, and Kidlat Tahimik.

In a timely and existential drama, Dustin Celestino presents *Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan*. The film delves into the internal turmoil of four Filipinos—a political strategist, a history professor, a speechwriter, and an election lawyer—grappling with their purpose following a devastating electoral outcome. As truth and history appear to vanish around them, their shared memories become a powerful form of resistance. Dolly de Leon, Jojit Lorenzo, Zanjoe Marudo, and Mylene Dizon lead the ensemble.

Nigel Santos introduces his first Cinemalaya entry, *Open Endings*, a nuanced story of four queer women: Hannah, Charlie, Kit, and Mihan. These ex-partners have forged an unbreakable bond as best friends, navigating individual grief, heartbreaks, and family struggles by sticking together. But just as stability seems within reach, Hannah faces a life-altering decision that could reawaken old feelings and jeopardize their cherished friendship. The film features Janella Salvador, Klea Pineda, Leanne Mamonong, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Jenn Romano’s period drama, *Padamlàgan*, is set against the backdrop of a national tragedy. Devoted father Doring desperately searches for his son, who vanished after the Colgante Bridge collapsed during the Our Lady of Peñafrancia procession. Five days later, the declaration of Martial Law silences Doring’s personal grief, mirroring the country’s own profound loss. Notably, Ely Buendia makes his film debut as Doring, alongside Bicolano talents Esteban Mara, Floyd Tena, Sue Prado, Ivan Gioceff Papa, and Kaye Casiles.

*Paglilitis*, directed by Cheska Marfori, tackles the sensitive issue of workplace sexual harassment. Years after her ordeal, former executive assistant Jonalyn, empowered by a passionate lawyer, files a case against her powerful CEO employer. While social media initially offers overwhelming support, it quickly morphs into a hostile environment that paradoxically casts her as the aggressor. Rissey Reyes-Robinson, Eula Valdez, Leo Martinez, Sid Lucero, and Jackie Lou Blanco star.

Ryan Machado’s gripping drama, *Raging*, transports us to Romblon in the mid-90s, where a young man named Eli struggles to break his silence about sexual assault. Ignored by authorities and unable to escape his abuser, Eli’s life is further upended when he witnesses a mysterious plane crash. This inexplicable event ignites a desperate search for justice. Elijah Canlas and Ron Angeles lead the cast, joined by Reynald Santos, Glenn Sevilla Mas, Nathan J. Sotto, and Raf Rivera Rey.

Renei Dimla’s directorial debut, the mockumentary *Republika ng Pipolipinas*, introduces Cora, a farmer whose land is threatened by local government. In a bold act of defiance, she renounces her citizenship and establishes her own micronation. While her sanity is questioned by some, she quickly rallies support, uncovering a deep web of corruption that extends far beyond her small town. Alessandra de Rossi, Geraldine Villamil, and Kakki Teodoro star in this unique satire.

Rounding out the features is Kevin Alambra’s social drama, *Warla*, loosely inspired by true events. The film follows Kitkat, a young transgender woman who joins a gang that kidnaps foreigners to fund their members' gender-affirming surgeries. While she finds a sense of belonging, Kitkat grapples with the destructive choices made by the group. This impactful film features an all-trans women cast, including KaladKaren, Lance Reblando, Serena Magiliw, Valeria Kurihara, Khiendra Suzuki, Vitex Paguirigan, Kirk Popiolek, and MatMat Centino.

Beyond these ten full-length contenders, Cinemalaya 2025 will also showcase a diverse lineup of ten short films: *Ascension from the Office Cubicle, Figat, Hasang, I’m Best Left Inside My Head, Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit, Kung Tugnaw Ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod, Please Keep This Copy, Radikals, The Next 24 Hours,* and *Water Sports*.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Cinemalaya continues its legacy of championing Filipino independent cinema, having screened over a thousand full-feature and short films since its inception in 2005. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the vibrant storytelling and groundbreaking talent pushing the boundaries of local cinema!