Philippine cinema goes big at Rotterdam with six films selected

Isabel Sandoval, Sari Dalena, Jerrold Tarog, and more bring Philippine cinema to one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals.

“Yes, it’s the international premiere for ‘Cinemartyrs,’” filmmaker Sari Dalena declared of her latest film’s selection at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), marking her return to the prestigious European festival after 15 years.

“The last time I screened at IFFR was for my documentary ‘Memories of a Forgotten War,’ which eventually became the basis for ‘Cinemartyrs,’” Dalena shared, confirming the news to radar Entertainment on Wednesday morning.

Dalena’s film, which first competed at the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival (where she won Best Director), is part of the “Focus: The Future Is NOW” section. It is one of six Filipino titles selected across various categories at this year’s IFFR—a strong showing for the country at a festival widely regarded as a major launching pad for emerging auteurs.

Major competition and historical milestones

Leading the lineup is Isabel Sandoval’s “Moonglow,” which will compete in the Big Screen Competition. “First Light,” an Australian–Philippine co-production directed by James Robinson, will screen in the Harbour section alongside Carl Joseph Papa’s “58th.” 

P.R. Monencillo Patindol’s “i grew an inch when my father died” has been selected for the Bright Future category, while Jerrold Tarog’s historical epic “Quezon” will screen under Limelight.

The 54th IFFR runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, 2026, in the Netherlands. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most important film festivals, Rotterdam is especially known for championing new voices and serving as a major launching pad for emerging auteurs.

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