Independent cinema celebrated another historic milestone at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival Awards Night, held at the Shangri-La Plaza Grand Atrium.
Giancarlo Abrahan and Guelan Varela-Luarca’s drama “Mag-iina” claimed the highly coveted Balanghai trophy for Best Full-length Film, alongside several major technical and creative accolades.
Accepting his win for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam,” Martin del Rosario delivered a poignant acceptance speech advocating for societal change.
”Our film is about struggles of queer relationships, of LGBT. There are things that they choose to hide because of fear of being judged by society. So let’s end the stigma towards LGBT. End the stigma now sa HIV,” Del Rosario emphasized during his speech.
The ceremony featured notable ties, including shared honors for Best Actress between Marietta “Pokwang” Subong (“2 Valid IDs”) and Ruby Ruiz (“Status: Rejected”), as well as a Best Supporting Actor split between Lucas Andalio (“Mag-iina”) and KD Omalin (“Hand of God”).
Full-Length Category
- Best Film: “Mag-iina”
- Best Director: Giancarlo Abrahan (“Mag-iina”)
- Best Actor: Martin del Rosario (“Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam”)
- Best Actress (Tie): Marietta “Pokwang” Subong (“2 Valid IDs”) and Ruby Ruiz (“Status: Rejected”)
- Best Supporting Actor (Tie): Lucas Andalio (“Mag-iina”) and KD Omalin (“Hand of God”)
- Best Supporting Actress: Bituin Escalante (“a.ni.mál”)
- Best Screenplay: Guelan Varela-Luarca (“Mag-iina”)
- Best Ensemble Performance: Cast of “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” (Martin del Rosario, Yayo Aguila, Epi Quizon, Miguel Odron)
- Best Cinematography: Adam Dumaguin (“Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam”)
- Best Editing: John Rogers (“a.ni.mál”)
- Best Production Design: Katrish Aristoki (“Mag-iina”)
- Best Original Music Score: David Yuhico (“Mag-iina”)
- Best Sound Design: Elian Idioma (“Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam”)
- Special Jury Award: “2 Valid IDs”
- Audience Choice Award: “2 Valid IDs”
- NETPAC Award: “Status: Rejected”
Short Film Category
- Best Short Film: “Silkscreen” by Rey Anthony Villaverde
- Best Director: Gabriela Serrano (“Elenita, Elena, Elaine”)
- Best Screenplay: Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin R. Pateña (“RUNO!”)
- Special Jury Award: “Para-Paraan” by Mae Chan Li
- Audience Choice Award: “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!” by Norvin de los Santos
- NETPAC Award: “The River Flows in Different Places” by Lot-Lot Hermosura