CINEMALAYA 2009 FULL-LENGTH FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The ten finalists in the full-length feature category of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition 2009 were announced recently by the Cinemalaya Foundation.

The finalists in the full length feature category are: 24K by Ana Agabin, Ang Nerseri (The Nursery) by Vic Acedillo, Jr.; Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin B. Yapan; Astig (Mga Batang Kalye) by GB Sampedro; Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros; Dinig Sana Kita by Mike E. Sandejas; Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno; Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel; Mangatyanan (The Blood Trail) by Jerrold Tarog and Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco.

The finalists will receive an initial seed investment of P500,000 from Econolink Investments. The final winning entry will be given an additional grant of P200,000 plus the Cinemalaya Trophy during the awarding rites on July 26, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. All the films will be screened during the 2009 Cinemalaya on July 17-26, 2009 at the CCP.

Now on its fifth year, the Cinemalaya Competition and Festival is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, CCP, Econolink Investments Inc. and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

Cinemalaya is held in two categories - full length and short feature. Finalists in the short feature category will be announced in May 2009.