Cinemalaya 2026 unveils opening and closing films, full lineup

“Enjoy Your Stay” opens August 6, “Filipiniana” closes August 18.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival will return on Aug. 6. It will open with “Enjoy Your Stay,” a Filipino-led international drama about an undocumented Filipina cleaner in Switzerland trying to keep custody of her daughter in the Philippines.

The festival will close on Aug. 18 with “Filipiniana,” a coming-of-age film about a teenage golf course worker dealing with class divides in society.

“Enjoy Your Stay” brings a migrant story to the forefront and highlights Filipino talent on the international stage. “Filipiniana,” on the other hand, showcases emerging Filipino voices and tackles social issues through a local story. Together, the two films reflect the growing reach and depth of Philippine independent cinema.

The announcement was made by Dennis Marasigan, vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which organizes the annual festival. The launch was held on Wednesday.

Celebrities with films in the lineup attended the event. These include Iza Calzado, Alessandra de Rossi, Janine Gutierrez, Ruru Madrid, Rocco Nacino, Nikki Valdez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Pokwang, and Zaijian Jaranilla.

Meanwhile, horror, comedy, sporty, and drama films make up the lineup of nine full-length feature films in this year’s edition, anchored on the theme “Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections.”

Competing for the coveted Balanghai trophy in the Full-Length Category are Dustin Celestino’s “A.ni.mál,” Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz’s “2 Valid IDs,” JL Burgos’ “Ganggang,” Mark Duane Angos’ “Hand of God,” Giancarlo Abrahan and Guelan Luarca’s “Mag-iina,” Alpha Habon’s “Kaka Sa Yawan,” Vahn Leinard Pascual’s “Status Rejected,” David Corpuz’s “Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam,” and May-i Guia Padilla’s “Tirik.”

The festival will run from Aug. 6 to 18 at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City. Ayala Malls will continue as a partner venue, while Gateway Cineplex will also return this year.

Ten films will compete in the Short Film Category. These are “Elenita Elena Elaine” by Gabriela Serrano; “Honey, My Love, So Sweet” by JT Trinidad; “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!” by Norvin de los Santos; “kung paano kakalas” by Joseph Vitali; “Para-paraan” by Mae Chan Li; “Runo!” by Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña; “Silkscreen” by Rey Anthony Villaverde; “Sorbetes” by Jennissie Gilbuena; “The Keeper” by Nolan Rae Fabular and TRNZ; and “The River Flows in Different Places” by Lot-lot Hermosura.

The 38th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video will run alongside the festival. It is Southeast Asia’s longest-running independent film competition. It features works in narrative, experimental, documentary, and animation.

Cinemalaya was launched in 2005. It supports the production and exhibition of Filipino independent films. It has presented more than 1,000 works. Many of these have earned recognition in local and international festivals. Over the years, Cinemalaya has become a key platform for new voices in Philippine cinema.

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