Movies at Cinemalaya 2014

It's Cinemalaya season again, and it means we can enjoy seeing productions from independent filmmakers. Cinemalaya is a break from the movies with usual popular themes because in Cinemalaya, directors are after of the recognition of their directorial talents and skills.  That means there is no pressure to rake in profits for commercial producers.  So this is the time to really see great and aritistically created productions.  The good thing about Cinemalaya productions is that nowadays, mainstream actors and actresses are also interested in showcasing their talents for directors who want to join the Cinemalaya because it seems that they are taken more seriously if they become a part of a Cinemalaya production.  But that is just my interpretation.

It is good to be in the opening day or premiere of participating movies because most lead acts appear in support of the directors or independent producers.  So it is a chance to see your favorite local actors and actresses.       

Cinemalaya has three categories:  The new breed short films, the new breed full-length and directors showcase.   I have had the pleasure to watch one movie already, which is"The Janitor."  It is one of the films in the director's showcase.    The main character is played by Dennis Trillo and a host of other mainstream acts giving him support.    I recommend it highly not because I am a Dennis Trillo fan, but because I believe in the message of the movie.   And I was lucky to see him again in the theater today because he watched his movie as well as the other members of the cast.  Unfortunately, there was no time to linger outside the theater because another movie was going to be shown after "the Janitor' was done.  If you have been following this yearly endeavor, you will know that this is  the tenth year of Cinemalaya, so we can expect different themes and genres in the participating productions. 



Cinemalaya will be featured in different locations around Metro Manila also.  You can catch the movies at the following venues, aside from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is the home of Cinemalaya., Greenbelt 3 (Cinemas 4 and 5), Trinoma (Cinemas 1 & 4), Alabang Town Center (Cinema 4), Fairview Terraces (Cinema 5)  From August 01-10. You may visit the following websites for more infomation:

http://culturalcenter.gov.ph/   and  http://cinemalaya.org/about_cinemalaya.htm