IN FOCUS: Sampaguita,Mayohan, and The Leaving

Sampaguita
By Francis Xavier Pasion
The New Breed Category: Finalist, Full Length Feature

SYNOPSIS

SAMPAGUITA NATIONAL FLOWER is a film that chronicles the journey of the sampaguita flower from the time the buds are plucked in the province to the time they are sold in the city. The story is told by the children who are involved in the different stages of the journey.

Nine days of indie movies

by Nickie Wang

THE Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is set to explode in various venues of the Cultural Center of The Philippines as the sixth edition of the annual festival opens its doors from July 9 to 18 featuring a total of 24 independent films in competition.

IN FOCUS: Limbunan,Vox Populi, and Si Techie, si Teknoboy at si Juana B

LIMBUNAN
By Gutierrez Mangansakan II
The New Breed Category: Finalist, Full Length Feature

SYNOPSIS

Limbunan glimpses into the life of a bride-to-be as she is kept from public view prior to the wedding in her private quarters – limbunan.

The film captures the ritual motions of the women in a family preparing for the wedding of seventeen-year-old Ayesah who is betrothed to a man she barely knows. As preparations for her union is underway, Ayesah is reunited with her childhood tutor Maguid who returns to the village as a militiaman after five years, reawakening Ayesah’s past memory of childhood infatuation. Throughout Ayesah’s confinement her precocious and rebellious eight-year-old sister Saripa becomes her eyes to the world beyond her room. Her mother Amina keeps her composure despite the fact her husband sleeps with his second wife half of the time, finding solace in the belief that it is both her religious and familial duty to be an obedient wife. Ayesah’s aunt Farida is tasked to ensure that she is prepared for the wedding. However, Farida’s dark past challenges Ayesah’s resolve finding herself choosing between love and loyalty to tradition and family.

IN FOCUS: Rekrut, Magkakapatid, and Halaw

REKRUT
By Danny AÑonuevo
The New Breed Category: Finalist, Full Length Feature

SYNOPSIS

What is the measure of true friendship? Jamir, a devout Muslim, and Lando, a Christian, are among an elite group of young recruits formed by military officers for a classified operation. These impressionable young men would undergo intense and grueling training that put their will and strength of character to the test. Amidst all the hardships, these men set aside their differences and became brothers. But what happens when the institution they have sworn to protect becomes the wedge that will tear their brotherhood apart?