#TheaterPH - Join the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is back, inviting filmmakers to showcase their creativity and passion in the Full-length Feature Main Competition. This prestigious event is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers to bring their stories to life and share them with a wider audience.
How to Participate
Interested participants must submit their entries online by June 6, 2025. The requirements include a concept paper, storyline, resume, recent photos, and a sample short film. The concept paper should outline the premise, genre, tagline, and key characters of the film. Remember, full scripts are not accepted at this stage.
Selection Process
By July 11, 2025, the Competition Committee will inform 30 promising entries, inviting them to a pitching session. These selected proponents must submit a sequence treatment by July 18, 2025. The pitching session will take place on July 26, 2025, where 20 projects will be chosen to participate in a film laboratory and mentorship program under the Cinemalaya Institute.
Film Lab and Mentorship
From August to November 2025, the selected 20 projects will undergo a film lab and mentorship program. This intensive training aims to refine their projects and prepare them for the final competition. By the end of the program, 10 finalists will be chosen for the 2026 Cinemalaya Main Competition.
Production Grant and Festival Screening
Each of the ten finalists will receive a seed production grant of ₱1,000,000, released in tranches. The completed full-length films must be submitted by May 8, 2026. These films will be screened during the festival period from August 7-16, 2026, at various festival venues.
Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremony will be held on August 16, 2026, where the following cash prizes will be given out:
- Best Picture: ₱420,000
- Special Jury Prize: ₱120,000
- Audience Choice: ₱90,000
Rules and Regulations
Only entries by Filipino filmmakers are accepted. Filmmakers residing abroad may be considered in exceptional cases. Participants can submit up to three entries, but only one may be considered as a finalist. Works must have their national and international premiere at Cinemalaya and should not be in principal photography or postproduction before July 2025, except for documentaries.
Finalists are required to attend the Cinemalaya Film Lab. Post-production work must be undertaken by a reputable post-production house. Entries must be in HD format, with a total production budget not exceeding ₱5,000,000. Music used must be original, licensed, or in the public domain, and dialogue should be primarily in Filipino or any Philippine language.
Join the Celebration
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a celebration of Filipino creativity and storytelling. It’s an opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with fellow filmmakers, and contribute to the vibrant Philippine film industry. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!
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