Cinemalaya, the Philippine independent film festival that gave us films like ‘Liway’ and ‘ML’, returns for its 22nd edition with the theme, “Reel Reflections.” Every year since 2005, Cinemalaya has invited everyone to reflect on their lives by shedding light on the realities of our collective Filipino experience. From family secrets to acts of survival in the mundane, this year’s lineup is the kind of storytelling that lingers. And in case you didn’t know, for the first time ever, this year’s Cinemalaya runs for two weekends from August 6-18 across multiple cinemas in Metro Manila, including Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, Gateway Cineplex, and Ayala Malls.

Here’s the list of this year’s nine Cinemalaya Full-Length Films worth clearing your schedule for:

Mag-iina (THE MOTHERING)

Duration: 105 minutes
Directed by: Giancarlo Abrahan
Genre: Horror

What’s it about: A family reunion occurs during a beloved’s 40th day of passing. It forces three generations of women to stay in one house and confront deep-seated family trauma. Featuring Janine Gutierrez and Cherry Pie Picache, this haunting family drama is not to be missed. 

Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam

Duration: 110 minutes
Directed by: David Corpuz
Genre: Drama

What’s it about: A hospital-room drama that looks at caregiving through a rare queer lens. When a serious illness hits, it forces a family to redefine who actually counts as family. Featuring Martin del Rosario, Miguel Odron, Yayo Aguila, and Epy Quizon, it’s tells a story about how love is ultimately about showing up when things get tough.

Tirik

Duration: 91 minutes
Directed by: May-i Guia Padilla
Genre: Thriller, Drama

What’s it about: A road-trip movie exploring the messy moral aftermath of the drug war. It follows a priest, a driver, and everyday bystanders travelling between the city and the province. Featuring Ely Buendia, Esteban Mara, and Sue Prado, Tirik focuses on how two men cope with shared guilt and question what justice even means anymore.

Kakâ sa Yawan (Brothers by the River)

Duration: 90 minutes
Directed by: Alpha Habon
Genre: Drama

What’s it about: A story centered on the Tadyawan-Mangyan Indigenous community of Mindoro. It follows a 21-year-old man from Manila who is pulled back to his rural roots because of a childhood promise. 

Ganggang

Duration: 89 minutes
Directed by: JL Burgos
Genre: Coming-of-age Drama

What’s it about: This movie focuses on ganggang (spider-fighting), a nostalgic provincial childhood game. While it captures the charm of growing up outside the city, it uses raw, unpolished performances from a young ensemble cast to show how kids’ games often mirror adult power struggles.

A.ni.mál 

Duration: 120 minutes
Directed by: Dustin Celestino
Genre: Black Comedy, Social Satire

What’s it about: A sharp, satirical look at small-town politics and political dynasties. The plot kicks off when a local mayor goes to ridiculous lengths to protect a governor’s reputation over a dog-related situation.

2 Valid IDs

Duration: 90 minutes
Directed by: Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan
Genre: Social Drama

What’s it about: A high-stakes drama that turns mundane government paperwork and endless waiting lines into a matter of life and death. Featuring a Marietta “Pokwang” Subong it exposes how a broken bureaucratic system can end up completely failing and erasing the everyday people who need help the most.

Status: Rejected

Duration: 90 minutes
Directed by: Vahn Leinard Pascual
Genre: Drama, Family, Comedy

What’s it about: Led by veteran actress Ruby Ruiz, this drama follows a 69-year-old widow who turns to the digital world after her latest U.S. visa rejection dashes hopes of reuniting with her son. Finding romance with an American stranger, she is forced to confront the blurring line between a dream of belonging and a dangerous delusion.

Hand of God

Duration: 106 minutes
Directed by: Mark Duane Angos
Genre: Drama

What’s it about: Set in the conflict-torn Southern Philippines, this movie centers on a makeshift football pitch. Featuring Ruru Madrid, Iza Calzado, Ronnie Lazaro, and Sue Ramirez, it focuses on the unexpected bond formed between a military lieutenant and a child soldier, treading between hope and reality.

Do you already know which one you’re watching first? With such a diverse lineup of stories this year, you are bound to find narratives that deeply resonate with your own experiences, heartaches, and curiosities.

Make sure to stay tuned to Cinemalaya’s official pages for upcoming announcements regarding the screening schedules, festival passes, and ticket prices. You won’t want to miss the chance to secure your seats and witness the celebration of Philippine independent cinema!

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