For two decades, Cinemalaya has been a beacon of Philippine film, a vessel that has carried the heart, depth, and strength of our nation's stories. From its humble beginnings as a small boat navigating uncharted waters, it has grown into a formidable force, making towering waves in the landscape of Philippine cinema.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full-feature independent films and short films, many of which have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.

Short film directors

Embracing the theme "Cinemalaya Bente: Loob Lalim Lakas," the pioneering independent film festival continues to of discover new voices, nurture talents, and challenge the status quo.

Cinemalaya 20 kicked off on August 2 with a red carpet with actors, filmmakers and esteemed guests at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Festival directors Chris Millado and Tess Rances welcomed the guests proudly expressing how for two decades, the Cinemalaya Balangay navigated the vastness of Filipino cinematic imagery and creativity.

"This journey began in an era when Philippine cinema found itself at a standstill in the early part of this century. Yet, in the face of adversity, Cinemalaya emerged steered by the vision and passion of a new breed of filmmakers," Millado shared.

Full-length competition directors PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

"With sales, powered by innovative wins of digital technology, our Cinemalaya Balangay weathered many storms. During the pandemic and lockdown, we found refuge in virtual coves and as we emerge from the pandemic, we immediately lifted anchor and set sail again. Always guided by the winds, the currents and the shining star, the aspiration of Filipino imagination," Rances added.

"The Gospel of the Beast," a film which chronicles the journey of a 15-year-old boy to beasthood, opened the festival with the presence of its director Sheron Dayoc and stars Jansen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro.

It was a full-circle moment for Dayoc, whose debut film "Halaw" (2010) won Best Film and Best Director in the New Breed category.

Cinemalaya Main Competition jury member Dolly De Leo

"I'm a Cinemalaya baby. As a person who came from the province, it's quite an elusive dream, in fact, it was a crazy idea to become a filmmaker back then. But in 2010, when Cinemalaya gave me an opportunity to direct my debut film, it gave me a lot of opportunities and fast forward to 2024, we're still here standing, still surviving and with a lot of big dreams," Dayoc said in his speech.

"Certainly it's not easy, we've been through a lot of challenges and we're more than committed and passionate in telling stories that are very important to us. Just like 'The Gospel of the Beast,' I think it's very important to us to continuously speak about violence in our country so that it wouldn't end up something that's going to be culturally acceptable," he added.

Festival directors Chris Millado and Tess Rances

Altogether, the 20th edition of Cinemalaya will showcase more than 100 films and activities.

Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are "Alipato At Muog" by JL Burgos; "An Errand" by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta; "Tumandok" by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; "Balota" by Kip Oebanda; "Gulay Lang Manong (No More Than Veggies)" by BC Amparado; "Kantil (Trench)" by Joshua Caesar Medroso; "Kono Basho" by Jaime Pacena II; "Love Child" by Jonathan Jurilla; "The Hearing" by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio; and "The Wedding Dance" by Julius Lumiqued.

National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee (center

Short Feature films in competition include: "Abogbaybay" by P.R. Monencillo Patindol; "All This Wasted Space" by Cris Bringas; "Ambot Wala Ko Kabalo Unsay I-title Ini" by Rey Anthony Villaverde; "Cross My Heart And Hope To Die" by Sam Manasca; "I Was Walking on the Streets of Chinatown" by Ryan Capili; "Mama" by Alexandra Brizuela; "Mariposa" by Melanie Faye Tampos; "Pamalandong Sa Danow (Reflection In The Marsh)" by Breech Asher Harani; "Primetime Mother" by Sonny Calvento; and "The Red Trails (An Baga Sa Dalan)" by Mariel Ritchie Jolejole and Roniño Dolim.

Embark on another visual feast featuring truthful storytelling that amplifies diverse voices in cinema from August 2 to 11 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Greenbelt, Trinoma, UP Town Center, and Market! Market!

Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice GuillenCompetition and Monitoring Committee chairman Carlos Siguion-Reyna