#CulturePH - 37th Gawad Alternatibo: Sparking Fresh Stories with Pasiklab
Every year, the Gawad Alternatibo Para sa Pelikula at Video lights up the local film scene with a celebration of stories that challenge, provoke, and inspire. Now in its 37th year, this iconic festival returns with the theme “Pasiklab,” igniting new narratives and showcasing the best of Filipino alternative filmmaking
Since its founding in 1987, Gawad Alternatibo has become the longest-running film competition in the Philippines and Asia, offering a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to push boundaries and spark conversations. The festival’s categories—Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, and Animation—are a testament to the diversity and creativity of Filipino storytellers.
A Glimpse into This Year’s Lineup
The Narrative Category is packed with films that promise to tug at heartstrings and provoke thought. Titles like “IF I WERE A VOICE” by Denbert M. Tiamson, “NO MORE CRYING” by John Peter Chua, and “ANG PAGBUKOD NI MELMEL” by Nathaniel Amor Turingan are just a few of the stories set to unfold on screen. Each entry brings a unique perspective, whether it’s exploring family, identity, or the everyday struggles that shape us.
Animation lovers are in for a treat, too. From “PASTIL: PAREHAS RA TA’G KAN-ON’G GINAKAON” by Andrei Francis C. Arrocena to “FARTHER, CLOSER, FARTHER” by Jillian Abby D. Santiago, the lineup is bursting with color, imagination, and Filipino flair.
The Experimental Category is where filmmakers truly let loose, with works like “A TENDER AWAKENING” by Daphnee Ferrer and “THINGS YOU WANTED TO SAY BUT YOU TYPED IT NALANG SA SOCMED” by Ja Turla. These films invite viewers to see the world through a different lens, often blurring the lines between reality and art.
Documentaries round out the festival, capturing real-life stories and moments that matter. “ROMEO AND JULIE” by Ysamae Yrrah Carelo and Edward John Louise Factes, “BULAHAW SA BANAHAW” by Anthony James Bayog, and “KALANSAY” by Angela Gwyneth J. Iglesia, Audrei Mendador, Edelweiss Nazal, and Martha Sarmiento are just some of the powerful entries that promise to spark reflection and conversation.
A special highlight is the CCP-produced documentary “Backstage Pass: The Pillars of the House,” directed by Joseph Mangat. This film takes viewers behind the scenes at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, shining a light on the unsung heroes who shape the audience experience.
Experience the Festival
All Gawad Alternatibo finalists will be screened alongside Cinemalaya 2025, from October 6 to 9 at the Red Cinema Carpet at Shangri-La Plaza. The awarding ceremony happens on October 10, 2024. Best of all, screenings are free and open to everyone—making it easy to dive into the world of alternative Filipino cinema.
For updates and more details, check out the official websites of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Gawad Alternatibo, or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Gawad Alternatibo’s “Pasiklab” is more than a festival—it’s a movement. It’s about celebrating stories that matter, voices that need to be heard, and the creative spirit that keeps Philippine cinema alive and thriving. Whether you’re a film buff, a casual viewer, or someone looking for fresh perspectives, this year’s festival promises something unforgettable.
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