FULL LIST: Winners, Cinemalaya 2025

The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival concluded its exhilarating run on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with an awards ceremony held at the Red Carpet Cinemas of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City. This year's festival, themed "LAYAG sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos" (Sail through Waves, Wind, and Storm), powerfully celebrated the unwavering spirit of Filipino filmmakers, showcasing their dedication to impactful storytelling amidst various challenges. Over ten days, from October 3 to 12, audiences experienced a diverse lineup of ten full-length feature films vying for the coveted Best Film Balanghai Trophy, alongside ten compelling short films.

The night's most prestigious honor, Best Film in the full-length feature category, was awarded to Noni Abao's profound documentary, 'Bloom Where You Are Planted.' Meanwhile, the existential drama 'Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan' made a significant splash, securing three major acting awards. Mylene Dizon was recognized as Best Actress, Jojit Lorenzo as Best Actor, and Nanding Josef as Best Supporting Actor, all for their powerful performances in the film.

Further accolades in the full-length category saw Sari Dalena take home Best Director for 'Cinemartyrs,' a film that also earned Teresa Barrozo the Best Original Music Score and a Special Jury Prize. Rochelle Pangilinan was named Best Supporting Actress for 'Child No. 82,' which also garnered Best Screenplay for Tim Rone Villanueva and Herlyn Alegre, and the Audience Choice Award. Other craft awards included Best Cinematography for Theo Lozada's work on 'Raging' (which also won Best Sound Design for Lamberto Casas Jr.), Best Editing for Che Tagyamon and Arnex Nicolas on 'Bloom Where You Are Planted,' and Best Production Design for Jeric delos Angeles in 'Padamlagan.' The ensemble cast of 'Open Endings,' featuring Janella Salvador, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Leanne Mamonong, and Klea Pineda, was recognized for their collective performance, and Renei Dimla's 'Republika ng Pipolipinas' received the NETPAC Jury Prize.

The short film category also showcased exceptional talent. Carl Joseph E. Papa's 'The Next 24 Hours' was hailed as Best Short Film, while Elian Idioma received Best Director for 'I’m Best Left Inside My Head.' Handiong Kapuno secured Best Screenplay for 'Figat,' and Hannah Silvestre's 'Ascension from the Office Cubicle' won the Audience Choice Award. The NETPAC Jury Prize for short features went to Daniel De la Cruz for 'Hasang,' and Maria Estela Paiso's 'Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit' earned the Special Jury Prize.

As the festival wrapped up, excitement already builds for next year's edition. Cinemalaya also announced the top ten finalists for 2026: 'a.ni.mal,' '2 Valid IDs,' 'Dangeom,' 'Ganggang,' 'Kamay ni Bathala,' 'Mag-iina,' 'May Buntot ang mga ‘Yan,' 'Status: Rejected,' 'Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam,' and 'Tirik.' These upcoming films promise another vibrant showcase of independent Filipino cinema.