Sinag Maynila Film Festival announces its finalists for 2017

Sinag Maynila Film Festival is ready for its third season!

The local film festival’s new tagline “Sine Lokal, Pang-Internasyonal” lives up to its core as the roster of finalists handpicked by Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng and world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Ma Mendoza have been announced. “The upgraded mechanics for this season may have been a risky move, but we are very happy with the outcome,” says Tieng. “We are looking forward to the reception of these films here and of course, internationally.”

The Grand Press Launch commenced with opening remarks by Sinag Maynila CEO Wilson Tieng and Festival Director Brilliante Mendoza #SinagMaynila#sinelokalpanginternasyonal

With the tremendous success of Sinag Maynila’s debut in March 2015, more talented filmmakers took their chance in getting a nod to be part of the competing roster as it has been closely associated with the opportunity for international recognition. This year’s categories include Full Length, Short Film, and Documentary.

FULL LENGTH

The core team of Full Length Category finalist "Kristo": (From L to R): Director H.F. Yambao, Lead Actress Angela Cortez, and Producer Perry Muñoz #SinagMaynila2017 #sinelokalpanginternasyonal

KRISTO by HF Yambao

The story delves into what is supposed to be a victorious day for Boy whose first born; Jemjem, graduated from elementary with honors. Throughout the story, bits and pieces of fighting against oppression of losing his main livelihood as a vendor, of fighting for his winnings in a bet to game fowls, fighting for his honor as a family man, and eventually fighting for his own life against fate will be revealed. “KRISTO” stars Angela Cortez, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King.

Representatives of the docu-drama "Beyond the Block", one of the #SinagMaynila2017 Full Length Feature finalists

BEYOND THE BLOCK by Ricardo Carranza

Spanning fifty years and charting a path across three continents, “Beyond the block” weaves a thoughtful, personal account of Hip Hop Dance in the Philippines. From the sensational TV program of “Penthouse 7” in the 70s to the cult classic “Dance 10” in the 80s to the struggles of Filipino contingents in today’s biggest international dance competitions, the film lovingly showcases the special place of dance in every Filipino life.

  

"Ladyfish" director Jason Orfalas flanked by cast members Brenda Mage (L) and Martin Escudero (R) #SinagMaynila2017

LADYFISH by Jason Orfalas

Expelled from her nine-year occupation in the call center industry and discriminated upon because of her homosexuality, Kaye Cienfuegos, struggles to make ends meet. Her search for place and identity is cut short when her best friend Bonn appears on her front door with her adopted Swedish son Bjorn, and together they face obstacles to provide for their basic needs and rights in a society where a fair chance is out of reach. “LADYFISH” stars JC Santos, Martin Escudero, Brenda Mage, Ruby Ruiz.

The director and lead actors of Full Length Finalist "Bhoy Intsik": (From L to R) Joel Lamangan, R.S. Francisco, and Ronwaldo Martin #SinagMaynila2017 #sinelokalpanginternasyonal

BHOY INSTIK by Joel Lamangan

Two small-time felons’ paths crossed, starting a petty  mutual  disdain  for  a competitor in their illegal  business: BHOY INTSIK and MARLON, the key personalities in the community of the living-dead. “BHOY INTSIK” stars RS Francisco, Ronwaldo Martin, Elora Espano, Jim Pebanco, Tony Mabesa, Jeric Raval.

behind the scene image of Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right To Kill) 

Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right To Kill) 
by Arnel Barbarona

“Tu Pug Imatuy” is the indigenous Manobo term for “The Right to Kill”.  The movie is inspired by actual events in Mindanao where indigenous peoples have been subjected to abuse and attacks in the course of the government forces counter-insurgency campaign. Starring Jong Monzon, Obunay Sulatan, Jillian Khayle Barbarona, Henyo Ehem.

Check the full list of finalists via http://sinagmaynila.com/. The 2017 Sinag Maynila Film Festival will be from March 9 to 14, 2017. Get updates on Sinag Maynila via Facebook.com/SinagMaynila, Twitter and Instagram via @sinagmaynila. Subscribe also to the official Sinag Maynila Youtube Account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZPI6kPKUCsbim9e_qByNQ.

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Solar Entertainment Corporation together with renowned director Brillante Mendoza launched this film festival in 2015 that aims to support local independent cinema.

Sinag Maynila was born from the vision of Mr. Wilson Tieng and Direk Brillante Mendoza’s wish to have a festival that not only inspires but educates and enlightens Filipino movie audiences.