(SPOT.ph) Heads up, movie fans! Cinemalaya is back, and it's bigger than ever. This year, the popular film festival features nine entries for the Main Competition category, 10 entries for the Short Film category, as well as additional sections, including: Festival's Best, Asian Showcase, Documentaries, and Special Screenings.
The festival runs from August 5 to 14, with screenings at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and selected cinemas in Ayala Malls, including Greenbelt 3, Glorietta Mall, TriNoma Mall, and UP Town Center. Ticket prices are P150 (regular screening) and P100 (students).
Here are the nine feature-length entries you can expect at this year's Cinemalaya.
Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching
Director: Inna Salazar and Dos Ocampo
Stars: Janus Del Prado, Ketchup Eusebio, Odette Khan, and Jackie Lou Blanco
Ponching is a pious young man who dabbles in petty crime. One day, he decides to venture into text scamming, only to unintentionally convince a rich family that he is the estranged son of their late relative.
Dagsin
Director: Atom Magadia
Stars: Tommy Abuel, Lotlot De Leon, Benjamin Alves, and Janine Gutierrez
After surviving the Death March, Martial Law, and the loss of his legs, Justino decides to become an atheist. When his wife passes away, he ends up scouring her diaries in search of parts of her that he can still hold on to...and gets far more than he ever bargained for.
Hiblang Abo
Director: Ralston Jover
Stars: Lou Veloso, Jun Urbano, Leo Rialp, and Nanding Josef
This film chronicles the twilight years of Huse and his three other friends in a hospice facility. After his friends all leave the home, Huse finds solace and companionship in an unlikely place, all while reliving distant memories of his past.
I America
Director: Ivan Andrew Payawal
Stars: Bela Padilla, Rob Rownd, Matt Evans, and Elizabeth Oropesa
This dramedy revolves around a young woman's quest to complete her U.S. visa requirements so she can meet her father for the first time. Things get complicated when her father abruptly decides to visit her small town in Olongapo.
Kusina
Director: David Corpuz and Cenon Palomares
Stars: Judy Ann Santos, Gloria Sevilla, Joem Bascon, and Luis Alandy
This film narrates the life story of Juanita, who discovers her passion and talent for cooking as a young child. With her kitchen as her refuge, she bears witness to the colorful lives of the people who dig into her dishes.
Lando at Bugoy
Director: Vic Acedillo Jr.
Stars: Allen Dizon, Gold Azeron, Roger Gonzales, and Rachel Anne Ang Rosello
Lando is a 40-year-old high school dropout who is loathed by his rebellious 15-year-old son, Bugoy. In order to convince Bugoy to go back to school, Lando promises to complete his studies alongside his son—all while struggling to keep their relationship from falling apart.
Mercury is Mine
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Stars: Pokwang, Bret Jackson, Vincent De Jesus, and Lee O'Brian
A middle-aged woman named Carmen is poised to shut down her unpopular eatery at the foot of Mt. Arayat when a mysterious American begs her for work in exchange for shelter. Business suddenly booms, but Carmen learns of his unfortunate past and is torn between letting him stay or firing him.
Pamilya Ordinaryo
Director: Eduardo Roy Jr.
Stars: Ronwaldo Martin, Hasmine Kilip, Maria Isabel Lopez, and Sue Prado
A teenage couple living in the slums of the Metro survive by stealing from unassuming passersby. Their lives change when they unintentionally become parents.
Tuos
Director: Derick Cabrido
Stars: Nora Aunor, Barbie Forteza, Flor Salanga, and Ron Martin
Nora Aunor plays Pinalog, a binukot or a maiden traditionally kept in solitary confinement by her tribe. When the time comes for her to pass the tradition onto the next generation, her young granddaughter falls in love, threatening the sanctity of their tribe's age-old beliefs.
Cinemalaya 2016 runs from August 5 to 14. For screening schedules and the complete list of films, visit Cinemalaya's website or Facebook page.