What to expect at 2025 PELÍCULA>PELIKULA Film Festival

Cinephiles, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated PELÍCULA>PELIKULA Film Festival is making its grand return for its 24th edition, promising a captivating week of cinematic delights. From October 10 to 16, 2025, film enthusiasts will have the chance to immerse themselves in a diverse collection of stories.

This year's festival, a proud initiative of Instituto Cervantes since its inception in 2002, will showcase an impressive slate of 20 films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines. Screenings will be held across two prime locations in Makati: Ayala Triangle Gardens and Power Plant Mall, making it easily accessible for a wide audience.

One of the most exciting aspects? All screenings are completely free! Every film will be presented in its original language, thoughtfully accompanied by English subtitles, ensuring that language barriers won't hinder anyone from enjoying these global narratives.

The festival kicks off on October 10 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens with the Spanish film *El 47*. Directed by Marcel Barrena, this compelling drama is based on the intriguing true story of a driver in Barcelona during the 1970s.

Beyond the opener, the Spanish lineup boasts a rich variety of genres. Drama lovers can look forward to Icíar Bollaín's *Soy Nevenka*, Eva Libertad's *Sorda*, and Helena Taberna's *Nosotros*. For those interested in non-fiction, the documentary *Un Hombre Libre* delves into the life of exiled Andalusian writer Agustín Gómez Arcos. Families will also delight in the animated features *Robotia* and *Dalia y el Libro Rojo*.

Other notable Spanish contributions to grace the big screen include *La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés*, *Tasio*, *Aitas*, *Segundo Premio*, *Una quinta portuguesa*, and *Mariposas negras*, ensuring there's something for every taste.

Latin American cinema shines brightly with highlights like *Por tu bien*, an Argentine thriller set in a quaint rural town that promises suspense and intrigue. The Brazilian drama *Até que a Música Pare* explores themes of family bonds and enduring love, expected to resonate deeply with viewers.

Rounding out the Latin American selection are Uruguay’s *Becho* and the Peruvian feature *Reinas*, each offering a unique cultural perspective and storytelling flair.

Philippine cinema is proudly represented in the "En Corto: Short Films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain" segment, scheduled for October 16. This dedicated screening will feature acclaimed Filipino short films such as *Radikals*, *Lip Sync Assassin*, and *Animal Lovers*, celebrating local talent alongside international works.

Beyond the film screenings, the festival also has something special for the younger audience. The Spanish Cultural Center will host engaging crafts and games for kids on October 11 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, adding a fun, interactive dimension to the cultural celebration.