The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its full-length film category. Filmmakers must submit their entries by 6 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2026.
The festival marks its 23rd year in 2027. It continues its pursuit of innovative and excellent filmmaking. The festival also continues its work of nurturing independent Filipino filmmakers who are eager to make their mark in the film industry.
Interested participants can submit their entries online. Submissions require a concept paper with the film premise, genre, tagline, and key characters. The descriptions can be in Filipino or English.
Applicants must also submit a two-page synopsis, their resumes, two recent photos, and a work sample. The concept paper sheets must not bear the name of the proponent. Full scripts are not allowed.
Participants may submit up to three entries. Only one entry per proponent can become a finalist.
Films that started principal photography or post-production before August 2026 are disqualified. Documentaries are an exception to this rule.
Works attached to film and television productions are eligible. Works from local streaming platforms are also eligible. These projects must originate from the filmmaker as a proponent. Commissioned works from commercial platforms are disqualified.
The Cinemalaya Competition Committee will select 30 promising submissions by Oct. 17. These proponents will join a pitching session on Oct. 31.
The committee will narrow the list to 20 entries. These proponents will join the Cinemalaya Film Lab. This is a mentorship program under the Cinemalaya Institute. It will run from November 2026 to January 2027.
The film lab brings together resource persons from various filmmaking fields. These fields include scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and performance. Other fields are editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and promotion strategies.
The Competition Committee will choose 10 finalists from the film lab. These finalists will compete in the 2027 Cinemalaya Main Competition.
The festival will screen the 10 film finalists from Aug. 5 to 17, 2027. Screenings will take place at various festival venues.
Cinemalaya has promoted Philippine independent film since 2005. It provides an avenue for the production of cinematic works. These works boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.
Cinemalaya continues to invigorate the local film industry. It achieves this by developing a new breed of filmmakers through its 2027 competition.
Filmmakers can visit the official Cinemalaya website to read the full mechanics. They can also check the official social media accounts for updates.
