Newsletter

August 31, 2023

Welcome to Cinemata newsletter's latest edition! We shine a spotlight on exceptional Philippine films from Asia's longest-running alternative films competition, highlighting the competition's main category winners in various genres. Plus, watch a video that delves into Myanmar's political and technological evolution over the past decade.

Starting next month, the Cinemata newsletter is transitioning to a monthly publication. We're excited to continue bringing you even more curated content, film highlights, and film community news on a regular basis. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing Asia-Pacific social issue films with you in this new format.

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CINEMATA PARTNERSHIPS

Available now on Cinemata: 35th Gawad Alternatibo Main Category Competition Winners and Finalists

Cinemata is the official streaming partner of Asia's longest-running alternative films competition, the 35th Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula. With the central theme of "Paghahabi" (Weaving), the films in this year's competition encompass a rich selection of socially conscious alternative works hailing from the Philippines. The playlists for the competition's main category winners for Animation, Documentary, Experimental, and Short Feature winners and finalists are now streaming on Cinemata for free. 

Stay tuned for the upcoming playlists on the 35th Gawad Alternatibo's 'Curated Sections' featuring exceptional films outside the competition, thoughtfully chosen by the programmer and committee. Explore the Gawad Alternatibo Classics, highlighting renowned alternative filmmakers, and the regional perspectives of Lakbay Sine – Pasalubong Edition.

At the 35th Gawad Alternatibo Congress on August 11, EngageMedia Video Manager King Catoy represented Cinemata in the panel session “Critical Reception of Gawad Alternatibo: Redefining Alternative Cinemas through Local Film Criticism and Cinephilia.”. King shares: “By making these alternative films available to the public [and easy] to embed… we hope film critics and cinephiles will be able to popularise and explore these films’ cultural, sociopolitical dimensions”.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CINEMATA PARTNERSHIP

FEATURED FILMS

'Myanmar's Democracy and Digital Rights Odyssey (2010-2023)'

Since 2010, Myanmar's democracy and digital landscapes have evolved and influenced each other. In this video, EngageMedia analyses the last 13 years, when political shifts and technological advancements have shaped the Myanmar people's fight for freedom and democracy.

This video is part of EngageMedia's initiative to raise awareness of digital rights issues in Myanmar and to support activists, digital rights advocates, and ordinary citizens in enhancing their digital safety. 

Organisation: EngageMedia

​​Country: Myanmar

WATCH THE VIDEO

Visit engagemedia.org/myanmar for more information on EngageMedia's work in Myanmar.

'Pagtangis ng mga Aninong Umiindak sa Hangin'

A young performer named Amalia faces overwhelming odds that unexpectedly change her life, revealing a darker side of injustice and torture in the Philippines during Martial Law.

Pagtangis ng mga Aninong Umiindak sa Hangin by Laurence Llamas is the First Prize Winner in the Experimental Category of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo. 

Director: Laurence Llamas

​​Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

Watch the rest of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo finalists for the Experimental Category.

'Baón Sa Biyahe (Buried Trips)'

In 2017, the Duterte government launched the Jeepney Modernization Program with the promise of replacing old combustion vehicles with eco-friendly ones. Critics argue the program impacts the less privileged and jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino drivers.

Baón Sa Biyahe (Buried Trips) by James Russel V. Magnaye is the Second Prize Winner in the Documentary Category of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo.

Director: James Russel V. Magnaye

Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

Watch the rest of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo finalists for the Documentary Category.

'Bistida ni Ana sa Mata nga Pula (Ana's Dress)'

Ana, a five-year-old girl, treasures the beautiful dresses her mother carefully makes for her. Little does she realise that these dresses gradually weave a dark cloak, clouding her innocence forever.

Bistida ni Ana sa Mata nga Pula (Ana's Dress) is a short narrative film from the central islands of the Philippines. It won First Prize in the Short Narrative Category of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo.

Content Warning: This film contains sensitive themes involving child abuse and exploitation.

Director: Ma. Luisa Nalupano and Daniel De la Cruz​​​​​

Country: Philippines

WATCH THE FILM

Watch the rest of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo finalists for the Short Feature Category.