Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival recently announced the 13 finalists who will compete in the Short Film Category.

The finalists are: Kids On Fire by Kyle Nieva; Maski Papano by Che Tagyamon & Glenn Barit; Beauty Queen by Myra Aquino; An Sadit na Planeta by Arjanmar H. Rebeta; Crossing by Marc Misa; Kawatan Sa Salog by Ralph John Velasco; Looking For Rafflesias and Other Fleeting Things by James Fajardo; Out of Body by Enrico Po; The Dust in Your Place by David Olson; Ang Mga Nawalang Pag-asa at Panlasa by Kevin Jay Ayson; Ang Pagdadalaga ni Lola Mayumi by Shiri Francesca D. De Leon; Ate OG by Kevin Mayuga; and Namnama en Lolang (Grandmother’s Hope) by Jonnie Lyn Dasalla.

“Because of the continuing Covid-19 situation, the country’s biggest independent film festival will have its second online edition this year.  On its 17th year, Cinemalaya will focus on Short Films in Competition, Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, exhibitions under the Visions of Asia, Documentary and Premiere section,” Cinemalaya said in a statement.

Alongside these festival components, Cinemalaya revitalizes its education initiatives through masterclasses offered by the Cinemalaya Institute.

In addition, starting this year, a salient breakthrough for upcoming Cinemalaya finalists is the Film Lab, which will give them the opportunity to learn from professionals and experts in the industry the different aspects of filmmaking — from scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, performance, editing, production design, sound, music, production management to promotion strategies.

Co-produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cinemalaya 2021 will have a month-long run starting August 6, 2021.