Sinag Maynila 2024 logo. Image from its Facebook page
After a four-year hiatus, the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival reopened its doors to the public with a new set of full-length, shorts, and documentary films to reach wider audiences.
Following the theme “Sine Lokal, Pang-International,” the 2024 edition of Sinag Maynila aims to provide a platform for indie actors and filmmakers to take the spotlight while allowing film buffs to enjoy watching in cinemas, according to Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng
“Indeed the cinemas, along with our other supporters such as the City of Manila, are making significant contributions to the development of Philippine independent cinema and the growth of the Filipino film market,” said Tieng in a press statement.
In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Banjo” director-writer-lead star Bryan Wong shared that he always wanted to be part of the festival, as he believes in its goal of giving a platform to filmmakers who deserve to have their stories told.
“Banjo” is one of the full-length finalists in this year’s inception. Also part of the finalists are “The Gospel of the Beast” by Sheron Dayoc, “Her Locket” by J.E. Tiglao, “Maple Leaf Dreams” by Benedict Mique, “What You Did” by Joan Lopez Flores, “Salome” by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, and “Talahib (Legend of the Tall Grass)” by Alvin Yapan.
Meanwhile, the documentary finalists include the following:
- “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
Rounding up the finalists are the entries of the short film category which 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 and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo)” by Jude Matanguihan
The entries will be screened at Gateway, 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.
The winners of the annual festival will be recognized at the Gabi ng Parangal at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Sept. 8.
Among the actors who appeared in the festival at one point are Janine Gutierrez, Enchong Dee, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Tippy Dos Santos, to name a few.