‘Mag-iina’ emerges as Best Film at Cinemalaya 2026

MANILA, Philippines, August 19 ------ The psychological horror “Mag-iina” took home the Best Film award in the full-length category at the recently concluded 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. It tells the story of three generations of women bound by grief, madness and a dark family secret. The film stars Janine Gutierrez, Lucas Andalio, Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, Ness Roque, Jackie Lou Blanco and Bart Guingona.

Directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, who also won Best Director, “Mag-iina” was cited for “pushing the boundaries of filmmaking; for its layered narrative, unraveling dark family secrets, deep-seated grief, and a matriarchal dynamic that subtly exposes broader truths about Philippine society and politics; for its exceptional technical artistry; for the commanding performances from its predominantly female cast and for its bold, fearless and visionary filmmaking.”

Aside from Best Film and Best Director, “Mag-iina” likewise earned Best Screenplay for writer Guelan Varela Luarca; Best Supporting Actor for Lucas; Best Production Design for Katrish Aristoki; and Best Musical Scoring for David Yuhico. K.D. Omalin also won Best Supporting Actor for “Hand of God,” tying with Lucas.

On the other hand, Kapuso actor Martin del Rosario bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in the LGBTQ+-themed “Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam,” while Ruby Ruiz and Marietta “Pokwang” Subong won Best Actress awards for their performances in “Status: Rejected” and “2 Valid IDs,” respectively.

Martin, who portrayed a gay character, was lauded for his “deeply affecting and sensitive presence; for his remarkably restrained and effective performance which carries the film’s profound emotional weight through non-verbal mastery; for his gentle, nuanced expressions during quiet moments eloquently conveying the quiet grief, heartbreak and resilience of a gay man fighting to look hopeful and strong while caring for his dying partner.”

Ruby, who played a widow searching for love, was cited for “an absolute masterclass in screen acting; for her pitch-perfect balance of mischievous spunk and delicate melancholy; for making herself a deeply human center of Pinay folly and absurdity; for making complex, heavy emotional scenes look entirely effortless; and for grounding a quirky online romance in the quiet, heartbreaking vulnerability of an aging woman yearning for love and companionship.”

Pokwang, who plays Sylvia, a poor farmer unable to claim a remittance because she lacks the required two valid IDs, was acknowledged for “a deeply transformative and devastating performance; for courageously shedding her comedic roots to deliver a riveting, grounded portrayal; and for her touching emotional control, impressively encapsulating in her portrayal the raw frustration, quiet dignity.”

Meanwhile, “Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam” by David Corpuz received the Balanghai trophies for Best Sound for Elian Idioma; Best Cinematography for Adam Dumaguin; Best Ensemble Performance composed of Martin, Yayo Aguila, Miguel Oldron and Epy Quizon, while the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Award for Best Film went to “Status: Rejected” by Vahn Leinard Pascual.

Singer and actress Bituin Escalante was hailed as Best Performance of A Supporting Actress for her role in “A.ni.mál,” which also won Best Editing for John Rogers.

The Audience Choice Award and Special Jury Prize were awarded to “2 Valid IDs,” directed by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz.

In the short-film category, Rey Anthony Villaverde’s “Silkscreen” was named Best Film, while the Best Director award was given to Gabriela Serrano for “Elenita Elena Elaine”; Best Screenplay, Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña (“Runo!”); NETPAC Award, Lot-lot Hermosura’s “The River Flows in Different Places;” Special Jury Prize, Mae Chan Li’s “Para-paraan (Finding a Way Through)” and Audience Choice Award, Norvin de los Santos’ “Hoy, Hoy, Ingat! (Hey, Hey, Take Care!).”

The Cinemalaya also announced that submissions for its 2027 full-length feature competition are officially open, with filmmakers able to submit their entries until Sept. 17 of this year.

Source: philstar.com