The Intersections & Beyond: Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2017: Full List of Finalists (Full-Length, Shorts, Documentary)

Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2017 announced its finalists which will be shown from March 9 to 14, 2017 in four (4) venues: Glorietta 4, SM Megamall, Gateway Mall, and SM North Edsa.

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.”

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.

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

5 FULL-LENGTH FILMS

1. 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.

CAST: Angela Cortez, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King.

2. 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.

3. LADYFISH by Jason Orfalas

Discriminated by employers for being a gay misfit, odd Kaye struggles to make ends meet selling her bewildering home-grown beauty soap when her half-transexual best friend Bonn appears with her son for help. To raise their child, Kaye and Bonn must overcome a society where basic rights and a fair chance is out of reach.

CAST: JC Santos, Martin Escudero, Brenda Mage, Ruby Ruiz.

4. 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.

CAST: RS Francisco, Ronwaldo Martin, Elora Espano, Jim Pebanco, Tony Mabesa, Mon Confiado, Jeric Raval, Alvin Fortuna, Dennis Coronel

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

Set in an indigenous community in the hinterlands in Mindanao, a family goes up to the mountains to grieve and bury its youngest member who died from sickness. But as they make their way back to their village, they were confronted by soldiers and this forced them to turn to their traditional defense called “pangayaw” to drive off the abusive soldiers from their village.

CAST: Malona Sulatan, Jong Monzon, Luis Georlin

5 SHORT FILMS

1. I Am Jupiter, I am the Biggest Planet by Matthew Victor Pastor

Silence in the red light district of Manila.

2. Ang Langit, Burger at ang Universe by Emmanuel Escalona Jr.

It took burgers and one girl for a man to discover his place in the universe.

3. Aliens Ata by Karl Glenn Barit

Two brothers deal with the sudden loss of their father and an eventual separation from their overseas-Filipino-worker mother. Some things are hard to grasp that's why they look to the sky for answers. Could it be aliens?

4. Ang Hindi Ko Masambit by JoseMaria Javier Manoos

A deaf kid who dreams of going to school faces a series of rejection from his mother because of an unprecedented past.

5. Tulay Buhay by Paul Arrenze Dionela

In the streets of Manila, the homeless stuggle to live. Some fool others; others don't want to be fooled and some immitate some in order to survive.

5 DOCUMENTARIES

1. Hango by Avelino Mark Balmes Jr.

Follows the story of a grandfather and his grandchild who works as fishermen in Bacoor, Cavite.

2. Kupkop by Jaynus Olaivar

A documentary that revolves around the life of 3 kids with cerebral palsy, who were aboned by their parents due to their condition. They were able to find love and affection from people who, may not be their kin, show compassion without any form of compensation.

3. The Recycled Spirits of Roel Cabato by Noah Del Rosario

Meet Roel Cabato: an Ilocano-Ifugao artist and environmentalist from Baguio City, who spends his time creating artworks from whatever he can find in his home/art space called Hanan'chi (Aninito Art Space and Café). His works represent his spiritual connection with Ifugao culture as well as his advocacy for environmentalism and recycling.

4. Pagrara Sang Patipuron (Weaving a Circle) by Jean Clare Dy, Manuel Domes

Pagrara San Patipuron follows a group of indigenous Aeta women weaving artists in Nagpana, a sitio up in the mountains of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. The film explores their artistic processes and products, reflecting negotiations between tradition and modernity. With the help of two your artist entrepreneurs in the community, the women were empowered to explore their artistic imagination and extend the limits of the design process in the hope of transcending their present realities.

5. Krudo Boys by Mirielle De Lara, Angelica Domingo, Dannieleth Julapong, Maria Agnes Malvar, Bea San Juan, Nathaniel Santiago

Renato together with his brother Alyo, are two of the few men who call themselves "Krudo Boys". They scavenge for spilling crude oils coming from ships in Navatos City using only their worn-out boat and a piece of foam then selling it to the consumers. With this kind of grueling labor, they strive to work hard in order for them to provide food and shelter for their family.