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Sinag Maynila 2026 reveals its finalists for this years film festival run

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Rhea Manila Santos

Push Team

<p>Now on its 11th year, the Sinag Maynila Film Festival returns this month with an exciting lineup of six films competing in its full-length category from both veteran and new directors.</p><p>The annual independent film festival was co-founded by Wilson Tieng of Solar Studios Inc. and acclaimed filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, who serves as the festival director. It continues its mission of showcasing quality, culturally relevant local cinema.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtSCoKmhKJ/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=502&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A10131654.399999976%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="743" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Continuing its goal of ”Sine Lokal, Pang-International,” Sinag Maynila features unique, socially relevant stories that reflect the Filipino experience, aiming to educate, inspire, and enlighten audiences. It also serves as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers and a platform for established directors. This year, the 8th edition of Sinag Maynila 2026 is slated on March 23 to 29, at Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City as its official venue partner.  </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVvm0mbkcHf/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=502&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A10132476.800000012%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="619" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The six films competing in the full-length category were officially introduced last March 10 during the Sinag Maynila mediacon held in Quezon City. The competing films are as follows:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>1. All About Her (crime drama)</strong></div><p>Directed by Joel Lamangan and written by Quinn Carrillo</p><p>A police investigation is at a deadlock when a newly crowned beauty queen is suddenly found dead and all of the testimonies don&#x27;t match. Starring Tony Labrusca, Yuki Sonoda, and Kelley Day, with Itan Rosales, Marco Gomez, Angelica Cervantes, and Jim Pebanco.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. Ang Bangkay (psychological drama, period)</strong></div><p>Written and directed by Vincent Tañada</p><p>In a house shrouded by grief from the death of the matriarch, Don Segismundo Corintho, the widower who is an embalmer, coexists with living persons with hidden motives and corpses with secrets to tell.</p><p>Starring Vince Tañada, Vean Olmedo, Johnrey Rivas, Lili Montelibano, and Mercedes Cabral, with Juan Calma, Sarah Javier, JP Lopez, OJ Arci. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. Desperada (drama)</strong></div><p>Directed by Louie Ignacio and written by Dennis Evangelista</p><p>A deeply traumatized young woman is rescued from the streets and brought to a shelter for the mentally ill, where—amid broken souls and painful pasts—she discovers healing and unexpected love that proves even the most damaged hearts can still hope. Starring Robb Guinto, Yasser Marta, Mhack Morales, Sue Prado, and Mercedes Cabral, with Marife Necesito, Julianne Richards, and introducing Jorge Guda.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>4. Lanaya (crime drama)</strong></div><p>Written and directed by Clyde Capistrano</p><p>A detective commissions a nursing student to spy on an old lady in order to find out if she murdered her husband. Starring Shaun Salvador, Jun Nayra, Rolando Inocencio, and Madeleine Nicolas, with Gigi Hernandez, Marlon Mance, Aljun Fajardo, and Rhett Romero</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>5. Pinikas (comedy, drama, slice of life)</strong></div><p>Written and directed by Cris Fuego</p><p>In 2006, a teen breadwinner from a Philippine fishing village finds hope in internet cafés—while torn between a local love and her father’s foreigner dream. Starring Angela Villarin and Jade Makawili, with other regional actors Kevin Reams, Michael Bacalso, Randolph Valmoria, Dion Seco Cecilio, Jolaica Amiana, Ellah Mae Cuaton, and Arvin Cabajes</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>6. Sweet Escape (romance drama)</strong></div><p>Directed by Rommel C. Ricafort, written by Shine D. Ricafort</p><p>Candy, a medical professional caught in a tragic malpractice incident, enters a secret surrogacy arrangement in Bohol and forms an unexpected bond with Dave, a Korean entrepreneur, as they navigate past secrets, family interference, and personal redemption.  Starring Arci Muñoz and Korean actor Kang Donggun, with William Lorenzo, Matet De Leon, Ayeesha Cervantes,  Ana De Leon, Brylle Parzuelo, and Alex Chang</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2024/8/12/the-sinag-maynila-film-festival-returns-after-four-years-345"><strong>READ: The Sinag Maynila Film Festival returns after four years</strong></a></div><p>There are 14 entries in this year’s short film open category.</p><p>1. <em>Azazel - Ang Kabron </em>by Randy Villanueva and Utes Salazar</p><p>2. <em>Blind Date</em> by Victor Villanueva</p><p>3. <em>Flora</em> by Francis Ner Marañon</p><p>4. <em>Hoy! Pili ka na!</em> by Banjo Hinolan</p><p>5. <em>Inang Reyna</em> by King Louie Palomo</p><p>6. <em>Kaon</em> by Miguel Dimaiwat</p><p>7. <em>Magindara</em> by Ryand Angelo Ugalde</p><p>8. <em>Pagbalik Sa Lawod</em> by Lee Joshua Sardoma &amp; Elaiza Marie Empat</p><p>9. <em>Paon</em> by Seb Valdez</p><p>10. Relyebo by Paul Ocampo Untalan</p><p>11.  <em>Sakaling Malimutan Kita</em> by Ivan Villacorta Gentolizo</p><p>12.  <em>Tanan Nga Makita Kag Indi Makita</em> by Glydel Beatisula</p><p>13.  <em>Tonton</em> by Charlene Mead Tupas</p><p>14.  <em>Twenty Years Never Passed</em> by Fahleen Fang Casidsid</p><p>This year’s short film student category was shortlisted to 24 films after receiving more than 300 submissions. </p><p>1. “Aglibas” by Louie Canieso and Yohan Yapchiongco</p><p>2. “Alamat ng Anik-Anik” by Jann Gabaldon</p><p>3. “Ang Paboritong Anak ni Tatay” by Jun Randel Solvia</p><p>4. “Baga-Baga” by Mark Jerome Orque</p><p>5. “Bagz” by JD Mardo</p><p>6. “Bilanggo ng Kinahinatnan” by Euxim Valonzo Garcia</p><p>7. “Crossings - We Shall Return” by Josiah Tollison</p><p>8. “Duros” by Harvey Gozado</p><p>9. “Hataw” by John Paul Soriano and Francis June Bayangos</p><p>10. “Isa ka Higayon” by Chelsea Tasic</p><p>11.  “Layo ra&#x27;s Tinai” by Klark Marquez</p><p>12. “Lugud” by Jarno Malonzo</p><p>13. “Mag Unsa Na Lang Ta Ani?” by Keith Nemenzo</p><p>14.  “Mga Ulol” by Vince Ivan Vesiete</p><p>15.  “Odds” by Joshua Antiporta</p><p>16.  “Re: Living Kalipay” by Mariel Joanachim Rovero</p><p>17.  “Sa Pag-uwi” by Margareth Buendia</p><p>18.  “Sino Kamukha Ko?” by Darlene Ballano</p><p>19. “Suffer Extra” by Mark Delos Santos</p><p>20.  “Sunbird” by Kate Biazon</p><p>21. “Tililing E-Motion Sickness” by Dranreb Cimatu</p><p>22. “Under The Table” by Branden Josh Domingo</p><p>23. “Unggoy-Ungguyan” by Mark KC Alcaraz</p><p>24.  “Young Heart” by Janine Icamen and Angela Legaspi</p><div><br/></div><p>Documentary film open category finalists</p><ol><li>“Del Mundo” by Rommel Tolentino</li><li>“Hope for the Dawn to Come” by Monsi Alfonso Serrano</li><li>“Mga Muni-Muni sa Gitna ng Ambon” by Gio Gonzalves</li><li>“Nomo Kween: The Last Woman Standing” by L.A. Oraza</li><li>“Wordplay” by Che Tagyamon</li></ol><div><br/></div><p>Documentary film student  category finalists</p><ol><li>“Asa ang mga Salida sa Leyte?” by Lebron Ponce and Linus Masandag</li><li>“Cemento” by Justine Borlagdan</li><li>“Di Lalim Di Lalum” by Nicole Reyes</li><li>“Lila sa Gitna ng Asul” by Cristina Iscala</li><li>“As the Gong Finds Us” by Joe Macky Bib Canal</li><li>“Shalom” by Kiah Resureccion</li></ol><div><br/></div><p>Sinag Maynila 2026 will run from March 23 to 29 at the following official cinema partners:</p><p>Gateway Cineplex (Cubao, QC) </p><p>Eastwood Cinemas (Libis, QC)</p><p>Uptown Cinemas (BGC, Taguig City)</p><p>Venice Cineplex (McKinley Hill, Taguig City)</p><p>Lucky Chinatown Cinemas (Binondo, Manila) </p><p>For the full screening schedule of all categories, please visit the Sinag Maynila Facebook page. </p>

<p>Sinag Maynila Film Festival starts early this year with another promising lineup of veteran and rising directors from all over the country.</p>

Sinag Maynila Film Festival starts early this year with another promising lineup of veteran and rising directors from all over the country.

Sinag Maynila 2026 reveals its finalists for this year's film festival run

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Sinag Maynila 2026 reveals its finalists for this year's film festival run

Rhea Manila Santos,

Push Team

Published March 13, 2026 09:28 PM PHT

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Sinag Maynila

film festival

Brillante Mendoza

Wilson tieng

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