Sinag Maynila 2016 at SM Cinemas

MANILA, Philippines – Sinag Maynila, the country’s newest independent film festival, will showcase five quality and thought-provoking movies from young, non-mainstream Filipino filmmakers from April 21 to 26 at selected SM Cinemas. These include designated theaters at SM City Manila, SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura Premier where the red carpet opening ceremonies will be held.

A joint project of Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, SM and Samsung, the festival seeks to inspire, educate and enlighten the viewing public. Now on its second year of providing independent filmmakers a brand-new platform to showcase their stories, Sinag Maynila will feature films that reflect Filipino culture, while presenting social issues deserving of discussion among audiences here and abroad.

Conceptualized and helmed by its founder and CEO Wilson Tieng, together with world-renowned and internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, Sinag Maynila’s first batch of world-class films were recognized for their excellence here and abroad. This year, expect more invitations from international film festivals as Sinag Maynila presents a new batch of compelling feature films created by some of the country’s brilliant filmmakers.

Five filmmakers closely collaborated with Tieng and Mendoza, resulting in stories that reflect the Filipino culture while illustrating messages that will resonate globally.

Dyamper by Mes de Guzman follows the story of Apeng, Poknat and Tinoy who are dyampers on the lookout to steal from rice trucks as they meander along the treacherous winding roads of Dalton Pass. In one of their encounters, they accidentally discover a pack of illegal substances, which will lead them to the biggest mission of their lives. Dyamper stars Carlo Aquino, Alchris Galura, Tim Mabalot, Kristofer King, Liza Diño-Seguerra and Debbie Garcia.

Expressway by Ato Bautista is an action film where old-timer Ben needs to do one last assignment before the syndicate boss he works for grants him his much-delayed retirement. Assigned to be his partner is neophyte Morris, yearning to prove his worth. This last trip will turn out to be a journey of introspection, self-healing and redemption. Expressway stars Alvin Anson, Aljur Abrenica, Kiko Matos, Antoinette Reds, Jim Libiran, Japo Parcero and Judith Javier.    

Lila by Gino Santos is a psychological-thriller. To escape a past that threatens to consume her, a young woman decides to move into a house owned by a warmhearted landlady, looking for a fresh start and a chance for atonement. The house, however, has other ideas. Lila stars Janine Gutierrez, Enchong Dee, Sherry Lara and Migs Cuaderno.

M.R.S. by Adolf Alix Jr. is the story of 70-year-old Virginia who lives in a bungalow house that stands on an earthquake fault area. When her ever-loyal maid Delia tells her she’d be leaving for good, what follows shows a portrait of a woman and a mother trying to juggle the sad realities of life. M.R.S. stars Elizabeth Oropesa, Rosanna Roces and Lotlot de Leon.

T.P.O. by Joselito Altarejos follows the life of Teresa, an abused wife who attempts to secure her freedom by filing a temporary protection order against her abusive husband only to be caught in the battered system of bureaucracy filled with neglect and indifference.

This year’s Sinag Maynila also introduces two new categories to the festival — the Short Film Category and the Samsung Cinefone Category. The finalists in these categories were gathered from numerous entries from students and up-and-coming filmmakers.

The film entries in the Short Film Category come from independent filmmakers who have not yet released any full-length films commercially neither entered in any contests or festivals. The entries are five to 15 minutes long.

Samsung Cinefone Category entries, on the other hand, are three to five minutes long, following a theme on “the transformative power of technology to inspire.” These are produced and directed by students who are endorsed by their schools.

The Sinag Maynila Gala Night will be held on April 21 while the Awards Night on April 24, both at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. During the latter, the festival will be recognizing excellence in film, direction, performance, screenplay, cinematography and production design.

For those who are planning to watch all of the Sinag Maynila 2016 films, avail the Sinag Maynila ePLUS promo. The ePLUS promo is a Sinag Maynila card that contains one ticket each to the Sinag Maynila 2016 screening at a special discounted price of P100, one free ticket to the Opening Film, one free ticket to the Closing Film and one free ticket to the Brillante Mendoza Film Appreciation Course. Get your ePLUS card at all SM Cinema branches nationwide.

Sinag Maynila is a partnership between Solar Entertainment, Centerstage Productions, SM and Samsung. Event sponsors also include Ginebra San Miguel, McDonald’s Love Ko To, Boysen, 2nd Avenue and JackTV.