Metro Manila, Philippines – Psychological horror film “Mag-iina” was the top winner at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival during the awards ceremony on Monday, Aug. 17, taking home Best Film and several other major awards.
Directed by Giancarlo Abrahan and Guelan Varela Luarca, “Mag-iina” follows three generations of women bound by grief, madness and a dark family secret. The jury cited the film for its layered narrative, predominantly female cast and its exploration of society and politics.
Abrahan also won Best Director for the film, while Luarca took home Best Screenplay in the full-length category.
“Mag-iina” also scored technical wins for Katrish Aristoki for Best Production Design and David Yuhico for Best Musical Scoring. Lucas Andalio tied with “Hand of God” actor K.D. Omalin for Best Supporting Actor.
Meanwhile, Ruby Ruiz of “Status: Rejected” and Marietta “Pokwang” Subong of “2 Valid IDs” shared the Best Actress award.
Ruiz was recognized for her portrayal of an aging woman searching for love and companionship, while Subong was cited for moving away from her comedic roots for a more dramatic performance.
Martin del Rosario won Best Actor for “Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam,” while singer-actress Bituin Escalante won Best Supporting Actress for “A.ni.mál.”
“Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam” also won Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Ensemble Performance for its cast composed of Del Rosario, Yayo Aguila, Miguel Oldron and Epy Quizon.
In the short film competition, Rey Anthony Villaverde’s “Silkscreen” won Best Film, while Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña’s “Runo!” took Best Screenplay.
“Status: Rejected” won the NETPAC Award for Best Film in the full-length category, while “The River Flows in Different Places” by Lot-lot Hermosura received the NETPAC honor for short film.
“2 Valid IDs” and “Para-Paraan (Finding a Way Through)” received the Special Jury Prize. “2 Valid IDs” also won the Audience Choice Award for full-length film, while “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat! (Hey, Hey, Take Care!)” was the audience favorite in the short film category.
