The finalists of the 6th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival was announced at the grand press conference in Gateway Cineplex last August 4, 2024. The founders of the festival – world renowned Director Brilliante Mendoza and Mr. Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment Corporation graced the event to personally congratulate the filmmakers.
Sinag Maynila received hundreds of finished film entries for the full-length, documentary, and short film categories. These entries were meticulously watched and deliberated by the selection committee that consisted of members of the academe, film experts, and film organizations. All the finalists were awarded certificates of recognition during the program. Representatives from the press were also given a chance to ask questions to the filmmakers during the question and answer forum.
FULL LENGTH FILM CATEGORY
The finalists for the full-length film consists of 7 films that come from a variety of genres. These films will be shown in select cinemas from September 4 to 10. The finalists for the full-length film are as follows: Banjo by Bryan Wong, Maple Leaf Dreams by Benedict Mique, Talahib by Alvin Yapan , Salome by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, What You Did by Joan Lopez Flores, Her Locket by J.E. Tiglao, and the Gospel of the Beast by Sheron Dayoc.
DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY
The Documentary Film Category finalists are as follows: “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, and “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora.
SHORT FILM CATEGORY
The finalists for the Short Film Category are as follows: “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, and “Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan.
The grand press conference culminated with a one-on-one interview by representatives from the press. The directors and cast members from the full-length category finalists got to share their thoughts, insights, and experiences during their filming process.
The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival will be part of the City Government of Manila’s Tourism Month from September 4 to 10. For announcements and more details, visit Sinag Maynila’s Facebook page @SinagMaynila.