The Sinag Maynila Film Festival returns with a powerful lineup of independent films, captivating audiences in Metro Manila from September 4-10, 2024. After a four-year hiatus, the festival is back with renewed vigor, offering moviegoers a unique cinematic experience across 12 cinemas in the metro, with tickets priced at just Php 200.

Cinemas Partner with Sinag Maynila to Promote Indie Films

In an exciting collaboration, Sinag Maynila has partnered with some of the most popular cinemas in Metro Manila to showcase this year’s finalist films. Participating 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. This initiative is a significant step in making independent films more accessible to the public.

“We are thankful to our official partner venues for giving space to our finalist films and for supporting our initiative to make the ticket price more affordable,” says Mr. Wilson Tieng. “Indeed the cinemas, along with our other supporters such as the City of Manila, are making significant contributions for the development of Philippine independent cinema and the growth of the Filipino film market.”

A Showcase of Exceptional Talent

The festival, founded by Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng and Cannes International Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, is renowned for its commitment to the “Sine Lokal, Pang-International” advocacy. Established in 2015, Sinag Maynila has consistently highlighted films that push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematography, reflecting both local realities and universal themes.

This year’s competition is fierce, with an impressive lineup of finalists vying for top honors:

• Full-Length Features: The Gospel of the Beast by Sheron Dayoc, Her Locket by J.E. Tiglao, Banjo by Bryan Wong, Maple Leaf Dreams by Benedict Mique, What You Did by Joan Lopez Flores, Salome by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, and Talahib by Alvin Yapan.
• Documentaries: Ghosts of Kalantiaw by Chuck Escasa, Ino by Ranniel Semana, Natatanging Palayok by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas, Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig by Jenina Denise A. Domingo, Panatag by Allan Lazaro, Untitled/Unfinished by Matthew Victor Pastor, and Way of the Balisong by Paul Factora.
• Short Films: 14 Days by Nars Santos, Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos by Franky Arrocena, As the Moth Flies by Gayle Oblea, Bisan Abo Wala Bilin by Kyd Torato, Kiyaw by Jericho Jeriel, ILO by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay, Mananguete by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, Ina Bulan by Melver Ritz L. Gomez, Sa Paglupad Ka Banong by Elvert Bañares, and Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo by Jude Matanguihan.

World Premieres and International Debuts

Sinag Maynila 2024 is not just a platform for showcasing films but also a stage for several world, international, and Asian premieres. Films such as What You Did, Talahib, Salome, Maple Leaf Dreams, and Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig are set to have their world premieres. Meanwhile, Untitled/Unfinished will make its international premiere, As the Moth Flies its Asian premiere, and Her Locket its Philippine debut.

Awarding the Best in Independent Cinema

The much-anticipated Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) will take place on September 8, 2024, at the historic Metropolitan Theater. This event will honor the best among the finalists, celebrating their contributions to the Philippine independent film industry.

Sinag Maynila 2024 is supported by the City of Manila, Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM), the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

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