Sinag Maynila Returns: Showcasing Filipino Cinema at Its Best

Discover the Full-Length Features, Short Films, and Documentaries Shaping the Festival

Words Coleen Wong
September 5, 2024

The Gospel of the Beast by Sheron Dayoc starring Jansen Magpusao.

The Sinag Maynila Film Festival returns after a four-year hiatus with the powerful slogan, "Sine Lokal, Pang-International." This year’s edition has garnered strong support from the Manila City Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts (DTCAM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Founded in 2015 by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza, Sinag Maynila aims to amplify the voices of Filipino filmmakers whose creativity, skill, and ingenuity are truly world-class.

Long-Form Wonders: A Dive into Full-Length Features

Sheron Dayoc’s The Gospel of the Beast, which recently earned Best Feature Narrative at the 17th Bali International Film Festival, is one of the standout films this year. The film centers on a young boy, Mateo, who runs away with a stranger named Berto after committing a crime, exploring the complex bond that develops between them amidst a backdrop of crime and violence.

Sinag Maynila continues to provide Filipino cinema artists with opportunities to showcase their talents and offer an alternative space outside the industry's mainstream. This year’s selection of full-length films features a diverse array of narratives and perspectives.

Other notable films vying for the award include Her Locket by J.E. Tiglao, starring Rebecca Chuaunsu and Elora Españo; Banjo written, directed by, and starring Bryan Wong; Maple Leaf Dreams by Benedict Mique, starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos; What You Did by Joan Lopez Flores, starring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, and Ana Abad Santos; Salome by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, starring Perry Dizon, Tommy Alejandrino, and Dolly de Leon; and Talahib (Legend of the Tall Grass) by Alvin Yapan, starring Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio, and Kristof Garcia.

Brevity Meets Brilliance: Short Film Highlights

The short film category at Sinag Maynila continues to celebrate innovation and creativity, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their compelling stories in a concise format. Each film delivers a unique perspective, reflecting the vibrancy and depth of Filipino cinema in just a few minutes.

14 Days by Nars Santos captures the emotional journey of a man facing his last days due to a terminal illness. The film delves into his reflections and the profound impact of his remaining time, offering a touching and introspective experience. Recognized for its powerful narrative, 14 Days received the Best Short Film Award at the 2024 Manila Film Festival, commended for its heartfelt and evocative storytelling.

Other contenders for the short film category include Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena, As the Moth Flies by Gayle Oblea, Bisan Abo Wala Bilin (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains) by Kyd Torato, Kiyaw (Hill Myna) by Jericho Jeriel, ILO by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay, Mananguete (The Coconut Sap Collector) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, Ina Bulan by Melver Ritz L. Gomez, Sa Paglupad Ka Banong (The Flight of Banog) by Elvert Bañares, and Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan.

Capturing Reality: The Documentary Category

Offering a compelling array of real-world narratives and in-depth explorations, this year’s documentary category includes Ghosts of Kalantiaw by Chuck Escasa, Ino by Ranniel Semana, and Natatanging Palayok (The Exceptional Pot) by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas. Also featured are Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo, Panatag (Tranquil) by Allan Lazaro, Untitled/Unfinished by Matthew Victor Pastor, and Way of the Balisong by Paul Factora.

The festival will unveil several films for the first time, with world premieres including What You Did, Talahib, Salome, Maple Leaf Dreams, Banjo, Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig, Ina Bulan, Way of the Balisong, Bisan Abo Wala Bilin, and Kiyaw. Untitled/Unfinished will have its international premiere, showing for the first time outside Australia, while As the Moth Flies will be presented as its Asian premiere, and Her Locket will make its Philippine premiere. Winners will be announced at the Sinag Maynila Gabi ng Parangal on September 8, 2024, Sunday, at the Metropolitan Theater.

Running from September 4 to 10, the festival marks its 6th edition, showcasing a diverse lineup of full-length films, short films, and documentaries in 12 cinemas across Metro Manila. Official partner venues include Gateway (2 cinemas), Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Manila, SM Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Mesa, and Market Market. Tickets are priced at PHP 200, offering an affordable opportunity to experience the best in Filipino cinema.