Photo credit: Cinemalaya

The 20th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival wrapped up in a spectacular fashion, honoring the outstanding talents behind this year’s remarkable lineup of films. From the heartfelt performances of the actors to the visionary direction and technical brilliance, this year’s winners truly exemplified the spirit of Philippine independent cinema.

Best Actor

Enzo Osorio took home the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role for his powerful portrayal in "The Hearing." His sensitive and convincing depiction of a boy refusing to be silenced about his abuse left a lasting impact on audiences and judges alike.

Best Actress

In an unexpected twist, two incredible actresses were honored in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role category. Marian Rivera captivated the audience with her spirited portrayal of a public school teacher fighting for the sanctity of the ballot in "Balota." On the other hand, Gabby Padilla delivered a deeply moving performance in "Kono Basho," where she navigated the cultural complexities of a foreign funeral while grappling with personal loss.

Special Jury Prize

The Special Jury Prize was shared by two exceptional films. Breech Asher Harani’s "Pamalandong sa Danow (Reflection in the Marsh)" beautifully depicted the struggle of two Lumad youngsters to protect the Agusan Marsh. Meanwhile, J.L. Burgos’ "Alipato at Muog" used documentary cinema to highlight the harsh realities of enforced disappearances and human rights issues in the Philippines.

Best Supporting Performances

Felipe Ganancial’s portrayal of an elder chieftain in "Tumandok" earned him the Best Supporting Actor award. His impressive performance brought to life the challenges of keeping his community united amidst threats to their ancestral land. Sue Prado was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as a community leader in "Kantil," where she effectively portrayed the fight against eviction in a coastal village.

Audience Choice Awards

The festival’s audience had their say, with "Primetime Mother" by Sonny Calvento winning the Audience Choice Award in the Short Film category, and "Gulay Lang, Manong" by BC Amparado taking the same honor in the Full-Length Film category. These films resonated with viewers, capturing their hearts and minds.

Technical Excellence

"An Errand" stood out for its sound design and editing, with Jedd Dumaguina and Mario Consunji winning Best Sound, and Dominic Bekaert taking home the Best Editing award. The film’s journey from Baguio to Manila was masterfully crafted, allowing the audience to feel every nuance of the driver’s thoughts. Dan Villegas won Best Cinematography for "Kono Basho," where his poetic use of light and shadow deepened the exploration of themes of loss and reconciliation.

Best Film and Director

The top honors of the festival went to two films that tackled pressing social issues. Sam Manacsa’s "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" won Best Film for its poignant critique of the exploitation of women workers. Manacsa also took home the Best Director award, proving his adeptness at crafting a story that is both heartbreaking and socially relevant. "Tumandok," directed by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, also received the Best Film award, recognized for its epic portrayal of the indigenous people's fight for their ancestral land.

Cinemalaya 2024 was a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of Filipino filmmakers. Each winner, from the actors to the directors, brought their unique vision to life, creating films that not only entertained but also sparked important conversations.