Cinemalaya 2022: Here are the 11 full-length film entries

After two years of being online, Cinemalaya will be back at the Cultural Center of the Philippines this year.

Running for two months, from Aug. 5 to Oct. 31, the film festival aims to promote the diversity of Philippine cinema and storytelling. For its 18th year, Cinemalaya is themed “Breaking Through the Noise.”

In a series of Facebook posts, Cinemalaya shared the 11 full-length films that will be showcased this year.

“12 Weeks” directed by Anna Isabelle Matutina, follows a newly single, 40-year-old woman. When she finds out that she is pregnant at her age, she struggles and must decide on what she needs to do. The film stars Max Eigenmann, Bing Pimentel, Vance Larena, and Claudia Enriquez.

“Angkas (The Backride),” directed by Rainerio C. Yamson II, features Joem Bascon, Benjamin Alves, and Meryll Soriano, with special participation by Jolo Estrada. The drama and magical realism film follows two estranged friends who try to rebuild their embittered past as they travel together aboard a habal-habal to retrieve a dead pal.

Next is “Bakit ’Di Mo Sabihin? (Tell Her),” which is top-billed by JC de Vera and Janine Gutierrez who are playing a deaf couple. They learn that it is not their inability to speak or hear that tears their marriage apart. It is directed by Real S. Florido.

In drama-fantasy “Batsoy” directed by Ronald Espinosa Batallones, two young siblings go on a fantastical adventure because of their strong craving for batsoy. It stars Ethan Sean Sotto, Markko Cambas, Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Nathan J. Sotto, and Jonalie Asdolo.

“Blue Room” by Ma-An L. Asuncion-Dagñalan tells the story of woke rock band members who are stuck between the difficult choice of freedom or standing up for what they believe in. The coming-of-age film has a cast of Juan Karlos, Harvey Bautista, Nourijune, Keoni Jin, Elijah Canlas, Soliman Cruz, Bombi Plata, Jericho Arceo, Bon Lentejas, and Richard Cepeda.

“Bula sa Langit (Trigger)” directed by Sheenly Gener sees a traumatized young soldier coming home from Marawi and struggles to reconnect with his family and lover. The film stars Gio Gahol, Kate Alejandrino, and introduces AIR.

“Ginhawa (Solace)” is about an aspiring boxer who travels to Manila to pursue his dreams, but then discovers the ugly reality of the sport. Directed by Christian Paolo Lat, the film stars Andrew Ramsay, Duane Lucas Pascua, Ruby Ruiz, and Rolando Inocencio.

“Kaluskos (Rustles)” by Roman S. Perez Jr. is a psychological thriller. Stuck in a custody battle, a single mother finds something underneath her young daughter’s bed that affects her love and connection with her child. The film stars Coleen Garcia, Queenzy Calma, Karl Medina, Cara Gonzales, and Elora Espano.

“Kargo (Cargo)” by TM Malones is a film about a woman who falls into a deep depression after the death of her family, until she decides to search for the killer and discovers something that could change her life. It stars Max Eigenmann, Jess Mendoza, and Myles Robles with special participation by Ronnie Lazaro.

“Retirada (The Retiree)” stars Peewee O’Hara, Jerry O’Hara, Donna Cariaga, Dexter Doria, Nanding Josef, Lui Manansala, and Johana Basanta. When a retired government employee discovers bingo and becomes a regular player, she learns that it leads to both desperation and financial burdens. It is directed by Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia Cruz-Paz.

Finally, there’s “The Baseball Player” by Carlo Obispo. This is about a Moro child soldier who is torn between becoming a baseball player or fighting in a war. Tommy Alejandrino and JM San Jose star in this film.

The full synopses of each film and details on the director and production crew are available on the Cinemalaya Facebook page. – RC, GMA News