July 15, 2011 (Friday) Cinemalaya officially opened. This was my first time to capture its opening show and I was informed by my friend from NCCA that it opens FREE to the public every year at CCP. Just come in early since the seats are first come, first served. Not to worry about running out of seats since this is being held at CCP's Main theater.
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film competition and festival that aims to develop and promote Filipino filmmakers. Films that are boldly articulate and freely interprets the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.
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| Seven Contemporary Dance Company |
This year, the program started at 6:00 pm. There were messages from Ms. Emily Abrera, CCP Chairman; Ms. Laurice Guillen, Cinemalaya's Chairman for Competition Committee and Mr. Nestor Jardin, Cinemalaya's Festival Director. There were also song and dance performances in between messages. What struck me were the dance performances by the "Seven Contemporary Dance Company". I can say they were really good, and talented performers. They were so graceful. Was asking my friend if this group dance commercially on TV? She also doesn't know.
At 7:00 pm, after the opening ceremony program, the Main theater doors opened and all the guests were allowed to go in and choose their seats. This is my 2nd time in my life to seat at the orchestra level of CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater), it felt great to get good seats (and for free!). The featured film was Director Laurice Guillen's film "Maskara". The Maskara is an actor’s story unfolded through letters discovered by his wife forty days after he dies. The letters lead his wife, Ellen, on a journey into a life more private than that which he shared with his family and friends, and ultimately to a meeting with his secret daughter. I brought a pack of tissues, apparently it wasn't enough! FYI this film isn't part of the competition.
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| "Maskara" casts being acknowledged |
- There are 9 finalists of the New Breed Full Length Feature
 | BAHAY BATA (BABY FACTORY) By: Eduardo Roy Jr and Jerome Zamora
ANG SAYAW NG DALIWANG KALIWANG PAA (THE DANCE OF 2 LEFT FEET) By: Alvin Yapan and Alemberg Ang |
|  | ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK (THE WOMAN IN THE SEPTIC TANK) By: Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez
AMOK By: Lawrence Fajardo
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 | I-LIBINGS By: Romeo Andreo Sales
CUCHERA By: Joseph Israel Laban
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|  | NINO By: Loy Arcenas
LIGO NA U, LAPIT NA ME (STAR-CROSSED LOVE) By: Erick Salud, Noel Ferrer and Jerry Gracio |
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 | | TERORIYA (FATHER'S WAY) By: Alistair Christian "Zurich" Chan |
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- There are 10 finalists in the Short Feature category.
 | PATIKUL By: Joel Lamangan Jr. ISDA (FABLE OF THE FISH) By: Adolfo Boringa Alix Jr |
|  | BUSONG (PALAWAN FATE) By: Auraeus Solito BISPERAS (EVE) By: Jeffrey Jeturian |
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The Cinemalaya 2011 Awards Night will be held at CCP's Main Theater on July 24, 2011. My friend said this will also be opened to the public.
Most of the films are in Tagalog. But since these are all finalists, all the films are required to have sub titiles. As these can be submitted and be part of the international film’s festivals and completion.
Personally for me, watching Cinemalya films, assures me that these are all quality films. I encourage every Filipino to watch and support the new breed of Philippine Filmmakers.
Cinemalaya runs from July 16 to July 24, 2011. You can watch this at
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Roxas Boulevard and at
Greenbelt 3 Theater, Ayala Center, Makati City. For details on show schedules, film's synopsis, trailers and ticket information visit the official website
http://www.cinemalaya.org or call the CCP Box office (63-2) 832.37.04 or CCP Media Arts (63-2) 832.11.25 local 1204 / 1205.
