The 18th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival was held from August 5–14, 2022 in Metro Manila, Philippines, with the theme being "Breaking Through the Noise". A total of eleven full-length features and twelve short films competed. The festival was opened by the film Leonor Will Never Die by Martika Ramirez Escobar and its closing film was Delikado by Karl Malakunas and We Don't Dance for Nothing by Stefanos Tai. This year marks the return of the full-length category as well as the festival's return to on-site screening since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Entries The winning film is highlighted with boldface and a dagger.
Feature films
Title Director Cast Genre12 Weeks Anna Isabelle Matutina Max Eigenmann, Bing Pimentel, Vance Larena, and Claudia Enriquez DramaAngkas (The Backride) Rainerio C. Yamson II Joem Bascon, Benjamin Alves, Meryll Soriano, and Jolo Estrada Drama, Magical RealismBakit 'Di Mo Sabihin? (Tell Her) Real S. Florido Janine Gutierrez and JC De Vera Romance DramaBatsoy Ronald Espinosa Batallones Sean Ethan Sotto, Karen Laurrie Mendoza, and Mariano CambasDrama, FantasyBlue Room Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan juan karlos, Harvey Bautista, Nourijune, Keoni Jin, and Elijah CanlasComing of Age, Comedy, Crime, DramaBula sa Langit (Trigger) Sheenly Gener Gio Gahol, Kate Alejandrino, and AIRDramaGinhawa (Solace) Christian Paolo Lat Andrew Ramsay, Ruby Ruiz, Dido de la Paz, and Rolando IncocencioSports DramaKaluskos (Rustles) Roman S. Perez Jr. Coleen Garcia, Queenzy Calma, Karl Medina, Cara Gonzales, Elora EspañoDomestic Drama, ThrillerKargo (Cargo) TM Malones Max Eigenmann, Jess Mendoza, Myles Robles, and Ronnie Lazaro (special participation) Road MovieRetirada (The Retiree) Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia Cruz-Paz Peewee O'Hara, Jerry O'Hara, Donna Cariaga, Dexter Doria, Nanding Josef, Lui Manansala, and Johana BasantaDramaThe Baseball Player † Carlo Obispo Tommy Alejandrino, JM San Jose, Tess Antonio, Don Melvin Boongaling, Sue Prado, Pongs Leonardo, Joel Saracho, Bon Lentejas, Ely Cellan, and Arnold Reyes (special participation)Social drama
Short films Title Director Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol (It's Raining Frogs Outside) Maria Estela PaisoBlack Rainbow † Zig DulayCity of Flowers Xeph SuarezDikit Gabriela SerranoDistance Dexter Paul de JesusDuwa-Duwa Nena Jane AchacosoMga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Barras (The Dreams That Are Written in the Sand) Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Ricard Jeroui SalvadicoMata Kang Busay (Vision of the Falls) Niño Maldecir and Cyphor John GayorgorKwits Raz de la TorreRoundtrip to Happiness Claudia FernandoSee You, George! Mark MonedaSi Oddie Maria Kydylee Torato
Awards The awards ceremony was held on August 14, 2022, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), Cultural Center of the Philippines. In the full-length category, Blue Room won the most awards with five, followed by The Baseball Player with four.
Feature films Best Film – The Baseball Player by Carlo Obispo Special Jury Prize – Blue Room by Ma-an L. Asuncion Dagñalan Audience Choice Award – Kargo by TM Malones Best Direction – Blue Room by Ma-an L. Asuncion Dagñalan Best Actor – Tommy Alejandrino for The Baseball Player Best Actress – Max Eigenmann for 12 Weeks Best Supporting Actor – Soliman Cruz for Blue Room Best Supporting Actress – Ruby Ruiz for Ginhawa Best Screenplay – Carlo Obispo for The Baseball Player Best Cinematography – Neil Daza for Blue Room Best Editing – Zig Dulay for The Baseball Player Best Sound Design – Pepe Manikan for Bula Sa Langit Best Original Music Score – Isha Abubakar for Retirada Best Production Design – Marxie Maolen Fadul for Blue Room
Short films Best Film – Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay Special Jury Prize – Dikit by Gabriela Serrano Audience Choice Award – Mga Handum Nga Nasulat Sa Baras by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico Best Screenplay – Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay Best Direction – Gabriela Serrano for Dikit
References
External links Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival