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The Ani program of this year’s Cinemalaya is a showcase of last year’s best independent features. The selection includes films from last year’s New Breed category as well as from the 2010 Cinema One Originals festival. This program gives the audience another chance to see last year’s cream of the crop.

Presa
(dir. by Adolfo Alix Jr)

It chronicles a week in the life of Almira (Anita Linda), a former actress and now inmate, in the twilight of her years. A peek into the lives of the people inside the Correctional Institute for Women. Won the Best Indie Film award in the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival.

 

Halaw
(dir. by Sheron Dayoc)

Winner of the Best Film award in the 2010 Cinemalaya New Breed Full Length category, it tackles the efforts to cross the border into Malaysia by different people in the southern region of the Philippines. Also won the Special Jury Prize, NETPAC at the Berlin International Film Festival.

 

Dagim
(dir. by Joaquin Pedro Valdes)

The story of two brothers searching for their father. In their quest, they come across a tribe led by Pido played by Marc Abaya. Also starring Bembol Roco, Rita Iringan and Martin del Rosario who won New Movie Actor of the Year in the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

 

Amigo
(dir. by John Sayles)

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker John Sayles offers up his take on the forgotten conflict during the American occupation of the Philippines. A barrio’s leader is torn between his allegiance to his mother land and its foreign occupier. Joel Torre and Ronnie Lazaro star alongside Oscar-winning actor, Chris Cooper.

 

Layang Bilanggo
(dir. by Michael Angelo Dagñalan)

The story of an aging criminal who tries to reconnect with his long-lost daughter. Veteran actor Pen Medina stars alongside Miriam Quiambao. Won Best Picture in the 2010 Cinema Originals Film Festival.

 

Limbunan
(dir. by Gutierrez Mangansakan II)

The film centers on a woman who’s about to marry a man she has never met. She spends one month confined in a bridal chamber in accordance to local tradition. It stars Tetchie Agbayani, Joem Bascon and Jea Lyka Cinco.

 

 

Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria
(dir. by Remton Siega Zuasola)

Done entirely in one take, Remton Zuasola’s film chronicles the last few moments of Terya, a girl about to leave home and marry a foreigner. Set in the beautiful Olango island, it tells the plight of women forced to marry in order to pick themselves up from poverty. Won four major awards in the Gawad Urian including Best Picture and Best Director. Also won the Cinema One Originals Special Jury Prize.

 

 

Senior Year
(dir. Jerrold Tarog)

The film is a glimpse into the lives of different students in their last few months before leaving the school for good. Featuring a mix of professional actors and actual students, it focuses on the relationships made and broken in that time. Rated “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

 

Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio
(dir. by Mario O’Hara)

Veteran filmmaker Mario O’Hara tackles the untold story of the trial of Andres Bonifacio. The film stars Miles Canapi, Danielle Castaño, Lance Raymundo and Alfred Vargas as the titular hero. Featured in the 2010 Cinemalaya Directors Showcase.

 

Sigwa
(dir. by Joel Lamangan)

Dawn Zulueta stars as a US-born Filipina who comes to the Philippines in the 1970’s. She becomes embroiled in a militant faction until her eventual return to America. She comes back decades later to find a daughter she barely knows. Won the Best Digital Movie Award at the 27th PMPC Star Awards.

 

Sheika
(dir. by Arnel Mardoquio)

Winner of the 2010 Cinemalaya NETPAC Award, the movie tells the story of a widow coming to terms with the turmoil around her and within her own mind amidst the backdrop of a violent Mindanao. Won the Gawad Urian Award for Best Editing, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for its lead Fe Hyde.

Donor
(dir. by Mark Meily)

The film tells the story of Lizette who sells pirated DVDs. She is forced to sell a kidney for a hundred thousand pesos after losing her job in a police raid. It won Best Picture at the 37th Brussels International Film Festival as well as the Best Actress award for its lead Meryll Soriano.

 

Astro Mayabang
(dir. by Jason Paul Laxamana)

A brash, arrogant young man, Astro (Arron Villaflor) wears his pride and nationality on his sleeves, literally. He encounters Dawn (Megan Young), a Fil-Am lady who wants to discover the Philippines. It received the Audience Choice Award and a Special Citation in the 2010 Cinema Originals Film Festival.

 

Rice: Nine Countries, Nine Stories, One Theme
(dir. VARIOUS)

A collection of short films from different countries, with rice as a main story element.  Featuring:  Kemuning by Robby Ertanto(Indonesia), Rice is Solidarity by Dethnakhone Luangmovihane (Laos), Kolam Kaamatan by Pang Fui (Malaysia), Hope by Zaw Ko Ko (Myanmar), Maya-Maya by Mae Urtal Caralde (Philippines), Bak Chang by Swee Wee Keong (Singapore), Rice Thief by Hyuk-in Kwon (South Korea), Daughters by Samavee Pummuang (Thailand), and finally Rice Cake by Phan Duy Linh (Vietnam).

 

Header Image from Donor

 

                                                 

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