The long wait is over as Sinag Maynila Film Festival, under Solar Entertainment and Center Stage Productions, marks its sixth edition, making a resounding return after a four-year hiatus. An event was recently held in Gateway Cineplex 2 to announce its official entries and to give updates about the run on September 4-8 in select theaters nationwide.
This year’s lineup includes seven full-length feature films, seven documentaries, and ten short films. Check out these photos from the press conference.
The comeback is made more significant as the iconic film fest founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and renowned director Brillante Mendoza also marks the celebration of Manila’s Tourism Month and the Philippine Film Industry Month.
Competing in the full-length feature film category are the following official finalists:
- “The Gospel of the Beast” by Sheron Dayoc, starring Janssen Magpusao and Ronnie Lazaro.
- “Her Locket” by J.E. Tiglao, featuring producer-lead actress Rebecca Chuaunsu.
- “Banjo” written, directed by, and starring Bryan Wong.
- “Maple Leaf Dreams” directed by Benedict Mique, starring Kira Balinger and LA Santos.
- “What You Did” by Joan Lopez Flores, featuring Tony Labrusca, Mary Joy Apostol, Epy Quizon, Mercedes Cabral, and Ana Abad Santos.
- “Salome” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, starring Perry Dizon, Tommy Alejandrino, and Dolly de Leon.
- “Talahib (Legend of the Tall Grass)” by Alvin Yapan, starring Joem Bascon, Gillian Vicencio, and Kristoff Garcia.
In the documentary section, the following films are included:
- “Ghosts of Kalantiaw” by Chuck Escasa.
- “Ino” by Ranniel Semana.
- “Natatanging Palayok (The Exceptional Pot)” by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas.
- “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig (Love Will Prevail)” by Jenina Denise A. Domingo.
- “Panatag (Tranquil)” by Allan Lazaro.
- “Untitled/Unfinished” by Matthew Victor Pastor.
- “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora.
In the short film category, the lineup includes:
- “14 Days” by Nars Santos.
- “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.
- “Suka & Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo)” by Jude Matanguihan.
Among these films, ten are world premieres, including Way of the Balisong, Pag-Ibig ang Mananaig, Maple Leaf Dreams, What You Did, Banjo, Salome, Talahib, Kiyaw, Ina Bulan, and Bisan Abo Wala Bilin. Additionally, Untitled/Unfinished will have its international premiere, while Her Locket will be shown for the first time in the Philippines.
For the first time since Sinag Maynila’s inception in 2015, finished films were submitted for consideration. Hundreds of entries were received from Filipino filmmakers from all over the globe.
“By the time we closed the submission on July 24, we had received an overwhelming number of entries,” said Sinag Maynila co-founder Brillante Mendoza. “Our screening committee had a difficult time making their choices because all had compelling reasons to be included,” he added.
Mr. Wilson Tieng, the father of Sinag Maynila, is extremely elated. “It just goes to show that there are so many talented Filipino filmmakers and they are raring to show their works and are looking for avenues to present their stories. Sinag Maynila is happy to be able to provide opportunities for them. With the support of our partners and the movie-going audience, we can continue our advocacy for ‘Sine Lokal, Pang-International.”
TATAK MNL 
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