MAG-IINA, a psychological horror film about three generations of women haunted by grief, madness, and a dark family secret, topped the winners’ list at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Directed by Guelan Varela-Luarca and Giancarlo Abrahan, the film won the prestigious Balanghai trophy for Best Film in the Full-Length Film category.
The festival jury cited MAG-IINA for ‘pushing the boundaries of filmmaking,’ highlighting its layered narrative that explores dark family secrets, deep-seated grief, and matriarchal dynamics while exposing broader truths about Philippine society and politics.
The film was also recognized for its exceptional technical artistry, commanding performances from its predominantly female cast, and bold, fearless, and visionary filmmaking.
Abrahan was named Best Director, while Varela-Luarca won Best Screenplay. The film also earned awards for Best Production Design, given to Katrish Aristoki, and Best Original Musical Score, awarded to David Yuchico.
During his acceptance speech, Abrahan recalled that when they first tried to submit the film last year, he worried that it might not be accepted because they were attempting to make what he described as an ‘impossible film.’
‘I’m really, really so glad. It takes a village, it takes a family to make something impossible, possible,’ he added.
Abrahan also remarked that while their film may be ‘vomit-inducing’ and ‘disgusting,’ there are still far more disturbing and repulsive things happening outside the film, calling for corrupt individuals to be jailed.
In the Short Film category, Silkscreen by Rey Anthony Villaverde won Best Film, while Gabriela Serrano of Elenita, Elena, Elaine was named Best Director.
2 Valid IDs by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz received the Special Jury Award in the Full-Length Film category and later won the Audience Choice Award in the same category.
The Special Jury Award in the Short Film category went to Para-Paraan by Mae Chan Li, while Hoy, Hoy, Ingat! by Norvin de los Santos won the Audience Choice Award for Short Film.
In the acting categories, Marietta Subong for 2 Valid IDs and Ruby Ruiz for Status: Rejected shared the Best Actress award, while Martin del Rosario won Best Actor for Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam.
Bituin Escalante was named Best Supporting Actress for A.ni.mál, while Lucas Andalio of MAG-IINA and KD Omalin of Hand of God shared the Best Supporting Actor award.
The Best Ensemble Performance went to Martin del Rosario, Yayo Aguila, Epi Quizon, and Miguel Ordon for Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam.
Other winners included Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin R. Pateña, who won Best Screenplay in the Short Film category for RUNO!; John Rogers, who won Best Editing for A.ni.mál; Adam Dumaguin, who won Best Cinematography for Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam; and Elian Idioma, who won Best Sound Design for the same film.
The NETPAC Award for Full-Length Film went to Status: Rejected by Vahn Leinard C. Pascual, while The River Flows in Different Places by Lot-Lot Hermosura received the NETPAC Award for Short Film.