A local film organization announced Sunday that it will continue its P1-million grant for each full-length feature film finalist in next year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
‘Cinemalaya is not just a festival of film, it serves as a platform and a compass that guides the direction of Filipino cinema,’ said Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Jose Javier Reyes during the 21st Cinemalaya awarding ceremony held at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
Reyes said that aside from the financial assistance for full-length film finalists, the agency will also provide P100,000 to short film finalists in next year’s competition.
‘In the past 10 days, we’ve seen the unique types of films that should give direction for our future,’ he added.
Reyes also shared that the FDCP is working to connect Filipino filmmakers with international markets by facilitating participation in major global film festivals, including the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival.
‘To all aspiring filmmakers, please continue,’ Reyes said, emphasizing that storytellers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity and inspiring future generations of creatives.
Meanwhile, Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. President Laurice Guillen announced that the festival’s reach will soon extend beyond its annual 10-day run.
‘We plan on bringing back the winning short and long films from 2005 to the present in a monthly film screening,’ she said.
Guillen also shared that the call for entries for Cinemalaya 2027 will open soon, while the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is set to open on the first Friday of August next year.
‘We look forward to seeing you again-ready to discover new voices, new perspectives, and new stories to inspire us all,’ she added.
The 10 full-length finalists for Cinemalaya 2026 are:
a.ni.mal by Dustin Celestino
2 Valid IDs by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagnalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz
Dangeom by Paul Sta. Ana
Ganggang by JL Burgos
Kamay ni Bathala by Mark Duane Angos
Mag-iina by Gian Carlo Abrahan and Guelan Luarca
May Buntot ang mga ‘Yan by Alpha Habon
Status: Rejected by Vahn Leinard Pascual
Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam by David R. Corpuz
Tirik by May-i Padilla