The Cinemalaya 2011 Experience Overview

Ten short films grouped into two sets, thirteen (four Directors Showcase and nine New Breed) full length films in competition, one opening and two closing films. So that’s eighteen film screenings, an opening ceremony and an awards night (plus a handful of cocktails) in the course of ten straight days at the Cultural Center of the Philippines which basically what my first ever Cinemalaya film festival experience was all about. It’s no wonder that I was tired and exhausted by the festival’s end and yet I yearned for it for days after it was all over.

The Cinemalaya crowd

Cinemalaya 2011 was indeed an intoxicating experience despite feeling very culture shocked during the opening ceremonies when I saw the huge, young and very vibrant crowd which I have never experienced before during my years of watching music performances at the CCP. But as the days went by, I got used to the frenzy that accompanied every event especially if it’s a gala screening and after ten straight days of Cinemalaya madness, I felt like I’ve survived a war and came out victorious. I was just glad and extremely grateful that despite the occasional heavy rains during the early afternoon, the weather cooperated throughout the festival.

The Cinemalaya crowd once again

So here are the victorious films that were awarded the Balanghai trophies as being the best of the Cinemalaya 2011.

Cinemalaya 2011 Winners

Special Awards

NETPAC Award - Boundary

Kids Treat Best Film for Children - Patikul

Audience Choice Awards

Directors Showcase Category - Patikul

Short Feature Category - Walang Katapusang Kwarto

New Breed Full Length Category - Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Directors Showcase Category

Best Sound - Diwa de Leon for Busong

Best Original Music Score - Diwa de Leon for Busong

Best Editing - Benjamin Tolentino for Isda

Best Production Design - Rodrigo Ricio for Bisperas

Best Cinematography - Roberto Yñiquez for Bisperas

Best Screenplay - No Winner

Special Jury Prize - No Winner

Best Performance of a Supporting Actor - Jaime Pebanco in Patikul

Best Performance of a Supporting Actress - Julia Clarete in Bisperas

Best Performance of an Actor - Rafael “Bembol” Roco in Isda

Best Performance of an Actress - Raquel Villavicencio in Bisperas

Best Direction - Auraeus Solito for Busong

Best Film - Bisperas

Short Feature Category

Best Screenplay - Emerson Reyes for Walang Katapusang Kwarto

Specialy Jury Prize - Hanapbuhay

Best Direction - Rommel Tolentino for Niño Bonito

Best Film - Walang Katapusang Kwarto

New Breed Full Length Category

Best Sound - Mike Idioma for Amok

Best Original Music Score - Christine Muyco & Jema Pamintuan for Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

Best Editing - Lawrence Fajardo for Amok

Best Production Design - Laida Lim for Niño

Best Cinematography - Arvin Viola for Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa

Best Screenplay - Chris Martinez for Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Special Jury Prize - Niño

Best Performance of a Supporting Actor - Art Acuña in Niño

Best Performance of a Supporting Actress - Shamaine Buencamino in Niño

Best Performance of an Actor - Edgar Allan Guzman in Ligo na U, Lapit na Me

Best Performance of an Actress - Eugene Domingo in Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Best Direction - Marlon Rivera for Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Best Film - Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

RAd at the Cinemalaya

Watch out for more detailed entries in the links below.

Part 1 The Opening Ceremony, Maskara, Niño, Patikul & Teoriya

Part 2 Shorts A, i-Libings, Isda, Busong, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank & Cuchera

Part 3 Amok, Shorts B, Ligo na U Lapit na Me, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, Bisperas

Part 4 Bahay Bata, Rakenrol, Zombadings 1 (Patayin sa Shokot si Remington) & Awards Night