Mechanics of the Competition
Cinemalaya Main Full Length Competition: From Concept to Screen
Cinemalaya, the Philippines’ first and oldest independent film festival — and the pioneer of its kind in Southeast Asia — has transformed the way film competitions are staged. Unlike most festivals where finished films are submitted, Cinemalaya created a ground-breaking grant-making program that nurtures projects from concept to completion. This innovation has spurred film production nationwide and introduced some of the most important new voices in Philippine cinema.
The process begins with a call for entries, where filmmakers submit a concept paper, synopsis, resume, and photos. From these, a Selection Committee identifies around 30 proponents who are invited to pitch their projects. The pool is then narrow to 20 semifinalists, who enter the Cinemalaya Film Lab for further development. From this group, 10 finalists are chosen. Each receives a P1 million production grant from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and another P1 million production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, released in tranches, to turn their vision into a finished film.
How to join?
The Cinemalaya Foundation was established for the following purposes: to help develop and support the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity; to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers; and to establish a network for exchange, communication, and cooperation among members of the independent film sector as we commit ourselves to the professionalization of film practitioners in the various aspects of film production through the Cinemalaya Institute.
The centerpiece of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is the Main Competition of full-length films, feature or documentary. Unlike other festivals where finished films are submitted, Cinemalaya’s finalists emerge from a pioneering grant program. Each year, up to ten projects are awarded financial support through a rigorous competition; their proponents undergo a 20-month journey from concept to finished film. These works premiere at the festival as the official finalists, competition for the Best Full-length Film.
A separate competition recognizes the work of filmmakers in the Short Film format.
Who can join?
Cinemalaya Main Full Length Competition: From Concept to Screen
Cinemalaya, the Philippines’ first and oldest independent film festival — and the pioneer of its kind in Southeast Asia — has transformed the way film competitions are staged. Unlike most festivals where finished films are submitted, Cinemalaya created a ground-breaking grant-making program that nurtures projects from concept to completion. This innovation has spurred film production nationwide and introduced some of the most important new voices in Philippine cinema.
The process begins with a call for entries, where filmmakers submit a concept paper, synopsis, resume, and photos. From these, a Selection Committee identifies around 30 proponents who are invited to pitch their projects. The pool is then narrow to 20 semifinalists, who enter the Cinemalaya Film Lab for further development. From this group, 10 finalists are chosen. Each receives a P1 million production grant from the Cultural Center of the Philippines and another P1 million production grant from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, released in tranches, to turn their vision into a finished film.
