Cinemalaya 2025 Philippine Independent Film Festival highlights urgent call to end corruption and support local filmmakers
Cinemalaya 2025 opened with a strong message: end corruption and support Philippine cinema.
After months of delay, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival finally launched on October 3 at Shangri-La Plaza. The festival’s leaders turned the spotlight on transparency, accountability, and the urgent need for government support for the arts.
Deputy festival director Tess Rances did not mince words. She called out the misuse of public funds while artists struggle to tell stories that reflect the nation. “While billions of taxpayers’ money are skimmed in ghost projects, artists scrape the bottom of the pot to bring their stories to life,” Rances said.
She stressed that corruption kills creativity and urged government officials to act with urgency. “We demand accountability and transparency of public funds meant for cultural and artistic development. Let’s fight corruption and support the arts,” she said.
Festival president Laurice Guillen echoed the sentiment, highlighting how politics and instability affect local filmmakers. “Cinemalaya is not just a festival, it is a journey,” Guillen said. “Unless our filmmakers face today’s upheavals—climate change, conflict, inequality—we cannot meet the challenge ahead.”
Now on its 21st year, Cinemalaya continues to amplify diverse Filipino voices. The 2025 theme, “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos,” symbolizes persistence amid struggle.
This year’s lineup includes ten full-length films such as “Bloom Where You are Planted,” “Child No. 82,” and “Warla.” The short film category features ten entries including “Figat (Tomorrow),” “Hasang (Gills),” and “Please Keep This Copy.”
Running from October 3 to 12 across partner cinemas, Cinemalaya 2025 reaffirms its role in shaping Philippine independent cinema and its call for a government that values truth, transparency, and the arts.
