Discoveries from Philippines World Cinema

home is found–through music, media, and dreams.

A girl named Cassandra is being groomed by a creature called kapre.

Released two years before the 1986 People Power uprising in the Philippines, this documentary shows the unwavering commitment to justice of political prisoners during the Marcos regime. Featuring prominent activists such as Satur Ocampo and Fidel Agcaoili, the film offers a rare glimpse of the times leading to the fall of the dictatorship.

A raw and transformational journey through the mind and heart of artist Ian Inoy

Ka Miding or "Remedios Santos Sulit" was one of the women who became members of the "BMA" or Bulacan Military Area, a Filipino guerrilla organization that fought against the Japanese under the unified Philippine-American Soldier and "USAFFE" (United States Army Forces in the Far East). Remedios or Ka Miding showed that her female status would not be an obstacle to fighting for the people. Even though she was still young at that time, she was nineteen (19) years old when she joined the "BMA" organization, also because of the invitation of her older brother, Ka Turing or Arturo Santos Sulit, also a member of the "BMA" and "USAFFE". Remedios became a spy for the guerrillas against the Japanese. With her was her friend and childhood friend Elvira Jimenes. See and be proud of the heroism of Remedios and her comrades in how they stood up despite the trials of World War II.

Two childhood friends face their conflicting aspirations and the harsh realities of the future while they await the outcome of their college applications. making them consider whether their next course of action should be driven by passion or practicality.

A short thesis film by Sean Rodriguez.

A short narrative film about Cade, a young boy who quietly witnesses the late stage of his parents certain separation.

A thesis short film by Ely Trinidad.

In the year 2099, a decade after a devastating flood submerged Manila into a dystopian nightmare. We follow Enzo, a resourceful survivor navigating a world depleted of air, food, and water. He finds himself in trouble, when his search for basic necessities almost cost him his life but learns to reconnect to a mother he lost.

Amid the scorching weather that torments the metro, unexpected rain induces fear in Nene’s mother and her clothesline.

A group of friends embarks on a quest to play traditional Filipino games on the streets and shores of Sipalay City, discovering unexpected connections between their gameplay and the resilience they find in the face of Typhoon Odette's fury at the city.

Would we let the repercussions of our wrong doings in the nature reach our inner quintessence?

Within the highly urbanized city of Manila, a conversation between Luningning and Flora unravels the memories rooted deep within the land.

An unwanted habitué pays a visit to a kid’s home every Day of the Dead and Christmas Season. But instead of drowning them in gifts, it submerges them in problems. As the kid grows older, it takes him greater effort to pay a visit to his late grandfather.

Two track-and-field athletes, Benjo and Karl, aspire to make their own names in the sports industry by entering the regional games, but their social status hinders them from doing so.

Submitted to the Film Development Council of the Philippines for iAnimate Animation Film Festival 2025.

a short film by Rossa Guingab

An early morning. A girl. Making breakfast. The shower room. RUN.

Eleven friends. One livestream. Zero idea what awaits. Craving thrill, a close-knit group follows a viewer’s suggestion—A two-day trip to the remote mountains of Looc, Agojo. But on their first night, four are murdered. Chaos erupts. The next day, they try to escape—only to be hunted. One by one, they fall. No help. No signal. No mercy. Then the truth surfaces. The killer is one of them. And her sister, hiding among them, has been pulling the strings all along. Believing ten sacrifices would bring back their dead parents, they kill. But betrayal turns fatal. The sister dies. One survives. The ritual fails. The dead stay dead.

After coming home from college because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 18-year-old Camille finds herself unable to sleep. She descends into restless desperation in the confines of her bedroom, disconnected from the rest of her family. Torn between nostalgia and loneliness, will she ever find peace again?

As a frustrated artist struggles to finish his masterpiece, one of his unfinished works emit a sinister presence.

"MAHIRAP" IS A POWERFUL DRAMA THAT DARES TO PROBE THE DEPTHS OF A WOMAN'S HEART, BODY AND. LOVE IS AN ALL-CONSUMING PASSION, TWO YOUNG LOVE STRUCK WOMAN REALIZE.

A set of strange commercials featuring the awkward Tim Goodin’ slowly start to descend into madness.

A visually poetic documentary that celebrates the birthplace of Philippine surfing in Baler through the empowering stories of its women surfers. Blending captivating imagery with lyrical narration, the film explores the rich cultural heritage and profound connection between the sea and the local surf community.

Ashley is in turmoil when she finds out that her girlfriend, Maggie, is pregnant. The turmoil in her heart and mind grows when Maggie reveals the reason behind her pregnancy: the apparition of Mama Mary to her. Thirsting for the truth, Ashley consults various important people to get answers. But when a nun suddenly approaches her, a dark past is unearthed that contains the answers she is looking for.

A Filipino-Chinese man named Ken discovers his true identity after reading a book entitled 'Pua Iyam' which inspired him to confess his love for his childhood friend. ☆ Be brave and follow your heart, difficulties always lead to change.

When Vincent blurs the line between reality and art, he is forced to confront the haunting yet enchanting possibilities of his imagination—unraveling the very fabric of his existence.

“A Gifted Journey” is a documentary that follows a mother’s journey of raising her daughter, Zandy, who lives with cerebral palsy and microcephaly. The film highlights the struggles of a mother as she navigates the realities of raising her child with disability. It also gives a closer look into Zandy’s daily routine. The documentary explores the mother’s coping mechanisms for tasks that require patience, from everyday activities to consoling her child during difficult times. As the story unfolds, it shows the importance of support and the special bond between a mother and her child, allowing viewers to see the resilience, hope, and humanity that defines their journey.

Since childhood, Mark has been aware of his true gender. Using his mother's lipstick, he learned to use it as magic to reveal his true identity. However, the world around him was not ready for that kind of freedom. Under the fear and hatred of his father, he was forced to hide and lock away his true self. Now, as a young man full of responsibility, the door to his past will open again and with it, the chance to be free.

A young, grieving mother calls on dark forces to bring back her child, unleashing a vengeful spirit that plunges her into a terrifying ordeal.

A family comedy-drama involving Dolphy and Gloria Romero.

Boyet, a 62-year-old grief- striken, disabled man, seeks to find the river where he lost his memories, runs on a surreal journey when a paperboat leads him to confront his past and find hope in the face profound loss

Kirby, a returning OFW who missed his mother’s burial, finds solace when an animated paper cut-out of her appears to help him navigate his grief and pack the “baggages” of their family.

Since their father died, Elmer have become estranged with his brother Henry. Not only did Henry inherit the farm, he also eloped with Cecille, Elmer's girlfriend back then. Tensions rise when Elmer accuses Henry of coming back to sell the land.

Despite the challenges of life, there are brothers who are still willing to give hope to each other, but destiny is playful and will test their strength and face unexpected truths.

The film delves into Miagao's hablon weaving, showcasing its cultural impact and historical depth. It also addresses modern challenges like declining weavers and evolving patterns, prompting reflection on preserving tradition and cultural identity. Through storytelling and visuals, the documentary reflects on hablon's past, present, and future in Miagao, Iloilo.

Alejandro, a father struggling to find employment in the tumultuous 1970s, begins to unravel as he becomes fixated on bringing order to what he sees as a chaotic family. Alejandro's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading those around him to question his sanity.

What does it take to be a drag queen? Every drag performance is a calling to create art but what happens behind the scenes? Dayang is a reality documentary that highlights the life of Mac Coronel impersonating Taylor Swift.

In the province far from the bustling city, 17-year-old Maya Dagayday shares a simple, peaceful life with her grandmother Gaya, the known spiritual leader and healer in town. This peace, however, is disrupted after Maya and her friends have a spooky encounter while swimming at the nearby river. A chain of unfortunate events then befall her and their once-quiet days, which leads to Maya making a decision that will ultimately change her life.

The Philippines is a country with a long history of revolution dating back to Spanish and American colonisation and Japanese occupation. Bitter Rice focuses on the story of Bernabe Buscayno, alias Kommanda Dante, a legendary figure who has devoted his life to the struggle for a free Philippines. Using economic means to fight political ends, Dante formed the People’s Livelihood Foundation, a co-operative of rice farmers in Capas. Having seized their land, the PLF then took on the multinational fertiliser companies, the middlemen who market the rice and set the prices - and the banks whose interest rates cripple the farmers.

Tatay Manding, a culture bearer from Pastolan Village in Zambales, is the last person who teaches Ambala to his fellow aetas in this fast-moving world. His love for teaching and songwriting are his best weapons to keep their dying culture alive.

La Paz Fisherfolks Association (LFA) President Roel Lozano leads their small community through new hope and resilience with two new boats amidst difficulties

His birthday is coming up. But, because of a heated argument between two close friends, everything suddenly changes. Even though it wasn't Gab's intention, he still carries the weight of the events. And with each passing day, he gradually loses himself. Problems keep piling up, and the number of people involved keeps increasing. When his birthday finally arrives, who will be celebrating with him?

A thesis short film by Rad Pascual.

A thesis short film by Mariette Molina.

Four friends: Mau, Lex, Jesse, and Ely, spend their semestral break in the provincial home where Mau grew up. As they celebrate her 18th birthday; stories of identity and love sprout as she traces back her home, herself, and her love for others.

In the throes of overwhelming circumstances, a devoted mother faces insurmountable challenges, ultimately compelled to take matters into her own hands. However, her actions, intended as a solution, unravel a web of unforeseen complications, plunging her into an even more complex and daunting situation.

When Owen comes home from his monotonous job exhausted, he reminisces on his old friend, Basilio, who once sparked a fiery passion in his life.

In the outskirts of Palawan, a man hunts for ice after dark while a woman struggles to keep her ice business afloat amidst erratic electricity. Brownout Capital delves into the lives of locals coping with the constant power outages in their hometown.

An experimental film.

"BANGHAY: Bangka, Hangin, at Buhay" is a captivating documentary that explores the tradition of naming winds in Malaban, Binan, Laguna. Through a compelling blend of folklore and science, the film uncovers the significance of these wind names to the local fishing community and their connection to the environment. By showcasing the interplay between tradition and modern knowledge, "BANGHAY" highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. This underscores the System Thinking Approach and Future-Proof Pedagogy in promoting conservation of culture and community in a sustainable way.

A Mowelfund experimental short film. A woman runs from something in an entranced dream state.

A Mowelfund experimental short film.

A Mowelfund experimental film on a fictional criminal turned ruthless politician

Boyet is a certified "gay kontesera". He joins gay beauty pageants as a living and as a hobby. One night, Boyet decides to tell the story about his journey in life.

Aya, a Kataw, returns home to protect what she loves.

In a repatriation story of collective kindness, a curator, a scholar and a schoolteacher guide Billie RIley, an Englishwoman who lived with a cultural community of Tboli people in the 1970’s, on an emotional journey to their ancestral home of Lake Sebu, Philippines to give back her collection of beautiful and sacred objects.

In the Philippines, albularyos (herbalists) and hilot (a traditional Filipino healer who uses hand manipulation) are sometimes seen as equivalent to "quack" doctors. Yet, for many Filipinos, especially in the provinces, they are the answer to a worsening illness and a universal problem: expensive medical bills. But does traditional Filipino medicine, or Gamutang Filipino, actually work?

Lumad girl, Boye, and her community take it upon themselves to build their own school, despite the many challenges, to strengthen their cultural bearing and their resolve to stand up to encroachers.