Cinemalaya Shines at the 48th Gawad Urian Awards

The festival’s 21st edition celebrates the creativity and excellence of Filipino independent cinema, earning 10 major distinctions at this year’s Gawad Urian.

Words Katrina Clarice F. Abella
Photo courtesy of Cultural Center of the Philippines
October 21, 2025

Filipino independent cinema takes center stage as the 21st edition of Cinemalaya films bag honors in the 2025 Gawad Urian Awards. With 10 major awards, the festival continues to discover, support, and recognize the creativity and power of the Filipino indie filmmaking scene.

At the heart of the celebration was Alipato at Muog. This compelling documentary triumphed as Best Picture, Best Documentary, and Best Editing under the direction of JL Burgos. 

Another standout, Tumandok, a cultural drama rooted in heritage and resistance, earned the Best Director award for Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, Best Screenplay for Arden Rod Cortez and Sumagaysay, Best Supporting Actor for Felipe Ganancial, and Best Original Music featuring Paulo Almaden and the Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana. 

Japanese-Filipino actress Arisa Nakano won Best Actress with her outstanding performance in Kono Basho, a film also recognized as Best Cinematography, with its visual storytelling directed by Dan Villegas. 

Meanwhile, The Hearing won Best Sound with Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla and Michaela Docena's immersive audio design.

Since its inception in 2005, the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival has nurtured over 200 Filipino filmmakers and showcased over 1,000 works in diverse categories: documentaries, short films, classics, art, and full-feature films.

The festival has grown into a platform to showcase stories and has become a movement to celebrate and continue shaping Philippine storytelling on the national and international stages.

Cinemalaya extends its influence to important conversations about society, identity, and culture, fostering artists and filmmakers to create stories that speak truth, spark change, and touch hearts.

The festival renews its commitment each year to resonant and unique storytelling that mirrors the culture and traditions of the nation, with the rise of visions, talents, and spaces where Filipino films come to life.

Its continuous recognition in the Gawad Urian Awards, organized by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, one of the most prestigious film award-giving bodies in the Philippines since 1977, marks the Filipino film's artistic and cinematic excellence. 

As Cinemalaya commences its 21st year, its achievements in the Gawad Urian Awards stand as a testament to the excellence of Filipino film, celebrating the flourishing artistry and talent.