Posters of Cinemalaya 2023’s (from left) big winners “Iti Mapupukaw” and “Rookie.” Images: Cinemalaya’s official wesbite
“Iti Mapupukaw” and “Rookie” were the biggest winners at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2023 as they brought home the biggest awards at the closing and awarding ceremony held on Sunday, Aug. 13.
The Carl Joseph Papa-helmed “Iti Mapupukaw” brought home several awards including Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) for full-length film, best supporting actress for Dolly de Leon, and best film (full-length feature film).
On the other hand, Samantha Lee’s “Rookie” won best actress for Pat Tingjuy, best editing, and audience choice (full-length feature film) awards, during the ceremony.
With the theme “ilumiNasyon,” the independent film festival witnessed 10 full-length and 10 short films ranging from stories of LGBTQIA+ romance to illegal recruitment. Here’s the full list of winners:
- Audience choice (short film): “Hinakdal”
- Audience choice (full-length feature film): “Rookie”
- Best Sound Design: Gian Arre for “Tether”
- Best Original Musical Score: Kindred for “When This is all Over”
- Best Production Design: Kaye Banaag for “When This is all Over”
- Best Editing: Ilsa Malsi for “Rookie”
- Best Cinematography: Martika Ramirez-Escobar for “When This is all Over”
- Best Screenplay (short film): Alvin Belarmino and Kyla Romero for “Hinakdal”
- Best Screenplay (full-length feature film): Jopy Arnaldo for “Gitling”
- Best Supporting Actor: Bon Andrew Lentejas for “Huling Palabas”
- Best Supporting Actress: Dolly de Leon for “Iti Mapupukaw”
- Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) award for short film: Alvin Belarmino for “Hinakdal”
- Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) award for full-length feature film: Carl Joseph Papa for “Iti Mapupukaw”
- Best Actor: Mikoy Morales for “Tether”
- Best Actress: Pat Tingjuy for “Rookie”
- Best Ensemble Performance Award: “Ang Duyan ng Magiting”
- Cinemalaya Special Jury Award (short film): “Hm Hm Mhm” by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan
- Cinemalaya Special Jury Award (full-length feature film): “Ang Duyan ng Magiting” by Dustin Celestino
- Best Director (short film): Mike Cabarles for “Makoko sa Baybay”
- Best Director (full-length feature film): Ryan Machado for “Huling Palabas”
- Best Film (short film): “Sibuyas ni Perfecto” by Januar Yap
- Best Film (full-length feature film): “Iti Mapupukaw” by Carl Joseph Papa