Cinemalaya Opens Call for Entries for 2027 Full-Length Film Competition

• Ni ARCHIE LIAO

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now accepting entries for the Full-Length Film category of its 2027 edition, continuing its commitment to discovering and nurturing innovative Filipino independent filmmakers.

Interested filmmakers have until 6:00 PM on September 17, 2026 (Thursday) to submit their projects online.

Applicants must submit a concept paper containing the film’s premise, genre, tagline, key characters and character descriptions, written in Filipino or English. They must also provide a two-page synopsis or storyline, the proponent’s resume, two recent photographs, and a sample of a previous work directed by the proponent.

The concept paper must not bear the name of the proponent, and full scripts will not be accepted. Each participant may submit up to three projects, although only one project per proponent may advance as a finalist.

Projects that were already in principal photography or post-production before August 2026 are disqualified, with documentaries as the exception. Films associated with television, film productions, or local streaming platforms may still qualify provided they originated from the filmmaker and were not commissioned projects. Commercially commissioned works are not eligible.

By October 17, the Cinemalaya Competition Committee will select 30 promising projects. Their proponents will be invited to a pitching session on October 31. From these, 20 projects will advance to the Cinemalaya Film Lab, a mentorship and development program running from November 2026 to January 2027.

The Film Lab brings together industry professionals who will mentor filmmakers in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and film promotion.

Following the Film Lab, the Competition Committee will select the 10 finalists for the 2027 Cinemalaya Main Competition.

The ten finalists will have their films screened during the Cinemalaya 2027 festival from August 5 to 17, 2027, at various festival venues.

Since its establishment in 2005, Cinemalaya has championed Philippine independent cinema by providing filmmakers with opportunities to create works that boldly explore the Filipino experience with fresh perspectives, artistic freedom, and integrity.

The 2027 call for entries continues this mission by giving a new generation of Filipino filmmakers the opportunity to develop their ideas and bring them to the big screen.

For the complete submission guidelines and mechanics, visit the official Cinemalaya website and its official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.