Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to raise the bar for curated movie experiences with the exclusive local release of Obsession, a chilling psychological horror film from emerging filmmaker Curry Barker.
Following the viral success of his 2024 found footage horror movie Milk & Serial, Barker returns with another unsettling story that explores the dangerous extremes of affection, fixation, and emotional obsession.
When Love Becomes Something Far More Sinister
At the center of Obsession is a lonely romantic determined to win over the girl he admires. In a desperate attempt to change his fate, he makes a wish on a strange novelty item called the “One Wish Willow” toy.
What begins as a dream come true quickly spirals into a nightmare.
As his wishes start becoming reality, the consequences grow darker and more disturbing, forcing him to confront the terrifying cost of getting exactly what he wants.
Director Curry Barker revealed that the film was inspired by the blurred lines between love and unhealthy attachment.
“With Obsession, I wanted to tell a story about how far someone’s fixation on another person can go. At what point does something we call love stop being love? And beyond that, what does the word “love” even mean?”
He also hopes the movie sparks conversations long after audiences leave the cinema.
“I want people leaving the theater still talking – arguing over how they felt, what they would have done differently, and whether what they saw was love or obsession.”
Watch the Trailer Here:
Exclusive Horror Viewing at Ayala Malls Cinemas
Known for showcasing carefully selected international and local titles, Ayala Malls Cinemas strengthens its lineup of exclusive releases with Obsession.
Horror fans can fully immerse themselves in the film’s eerie atmosphere inside Ayala Malls Cinemas’ modern theaters, designed with premium sound and high-quality screen technology that heighten every shocking moment.
Catch the Early Access Screenings on May 23
Moviegoers eager to experience the scares first can attend the special Early Access Screenings happening on May 23 at 6:30 PM in select branches:
TriNoma
Glorietta
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Obsession officially opens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas on May 27. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. PH.
Far from the kingdom he was born to protect, Prince Adam has spent most of his life on Earth, unaware of the destiny waiting for him. In Masters of the Universe, Nicholas Galitzine stars as the young royal who is called back to Eternia to embrace his true identity as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.
But He-Man’s journey is not one he faces alone.
As the threat of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto, grows stronger, a team of loyal warriors rises to stand beside Eternia’s greatest hero. From fierce fighters to battle-tested protectors, these legendary allies are ready to defend their world at all costs.
Watch the “Heroes of Eternia” vignette here:
Teela Steps Forward as a Fearless Warrior
Camila Mendes takes on the role of Teela, a skilled warrior with a deep understanding of the secrets surrounding Grayskull. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, Teela has spent years surviving under Skeletor’s oppressive rule while helping protect Eternia alongside her father, Man-At-Arms.
Mendes describes Teela as someone shaped by hardship and responsibility.
“Teela is independent and self-sufficient. She had to grow up fast after her father sort of gave up on life a little bit,” Mendes says. “She had to toughen up and look after herself, in addition to looking after her father. I think she’s been hardened by that experience. But deep down, she has this inner sensitivity and really deep empathy.”
Despite her hardened exterior, Teela still carries compassion and empathy that make her one of Eternia’s strongest heroes.
Idris Elba Brings Man-At-Arms to Life
Idris Elba portrays Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, one of Eternia’s most respected warriors and a trusted ally of King Randor. As the battle against Skeletor intensifies, he continues to lead the resistance while helping guide Prince Adam toward his destiny.
“Everyone wanted to be He-Man,” he recalls. “It’s a massive slice of nostalgia and just being a part of it as an actor feels like an honor. I’ve got my son who’s young and into it as well. So passing that on, and being in a film that he might want to see feels good.”
The actor also shared how meaningful it is to introduce the franchise to a younger generation, especially his own son.
Ram Man Charges Into Battle
Played by Jon Xue Zhang, Ram Man delivers power and pure force on the battlefield. Famous for using his head, literally, to solve problems, the character is known for his spring-powered legs and unstoppable attacks.
“Ram Man is often described as the human battering ram,” Zhang says. “He’s got springs for legs. He’s very strong and he has a propensity for using his head to resolve problems. It may not be in the most intelligent way, but it’s certainly the most direct way.”
Direct, fearless, and always ready for action, Ram Man brings explosive energy to the fight for Eternia.
Mekaneck Turns Pain Into Purpose
James Wilkinson stars as Mekaneck, a towering warrior whose extendable neck gives him a unique advantage in battle. After surviving a devastating neck injury, Mekaneck received life-changing enhancements from Man-At-Arms and transformed his tragedy into strength.
“He had this crazy-bad injury with his neck,” Wilkinson explains. “Man-At-Arms did a bunch of work on him and he then got this superpower of an extendable neck. Now he uses it to protect other people. So he had this tragic accident and then decided to help people.”
His resilience and loyalty make him one of He-Man’s most dependable allies.
Fisto Fights with Strength and Honor
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays Fisto, a fierce warrior known for his powerful iron hand. According to the actor, the character earned his nickname after sacrificing his arm to save Man-At-Arms during battle.
“Fisto and Man-At-Arms, they’re brothers. And my character saved his life in battle, but lost an arm in the process. So, Man-At-Arms builds him this fist,” explains Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, who plays Fisto.
Bound by loyalty and brotherhood, Fisto and Man-At-Arms continue to fight side by side against the forces threatening Eternia.
A New Battle for Eternia Begins
Packed with iconic characters, thrilling action, and emotional stakes, Masters of the Universe introduces a new generation to the legendary world of He-Man.
Of all of the films in Irene Emma Villamor’s filmography, Midnight Girls is the film that feels completely different, a heavy departure from her usual movies about the complex nature of love. This is a different kind of love story, one that explores what is at the core of friendships amongst Filipina entertainers in Nagoya, Japan. It is an ensemble film, featuring four strong performances from its lead cast: Jodi Sta. Maria, Sanya Lopez, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio.
Almost plotless, Midnight Girls follows four women working in a hostess bar in Japan. Vicki (Sta. Maria) the most mature of the group, sending money to a son with whom she no longer has any real relationship after being gone for so long. She is practical and rational, but years in the working abroad have left her cold, despite her role as “older sister” to the others.
Paris (Lopez) is the explosive one, wearing her heart on her sleeve and carries the story of falling in love with a local man.
Saki (Oineza) faces an identity crisis, while the work forces her to be intimate with men, she finds herself gravitating to Paris. Finally, Wanna (Andalio) is the newcomer who left home and a boyfriend, to earn a living to send money back home.
Each woman becomes representative of the specific struggles hostesses face in this industry. Villamor takes a very interesting approach, investigating each character’s emotional struggle without delving into the inherent exploitation of the work involved. This is not an exploitation film, nor does this film attempts to paint these women as victims. Instead, Villamor is more deadset on navigating their emotional space, detailing their highs and lows, and humanizing them.
The exploitation is implied – though never spoken about – and is always at the periphery but never made present. This is not that kind of movie, and while there are other films tackle that aspect of these women’s lives head on. Instead, Midnight Girls centers its characters as people with hopes, dreams, fears, and regrets. The human aspect is front and center.
Villamor intersperses the film with actual interviews of women who are later revealed to be the inspirations for these characters. By merging the real people behind the fictional characters, the film sidesteps the need for melodrama. While the narrative occasionally skirts toward that territory, Villamor is too sophisticated a director to let go of her restraint.
What I do miss is the director’s signature capacity for capturing the full complexity of her characters on screen. With four main characters – though Sta. Maria serves as the film’s foundation and really holds it all together – Villamor can only really touch the surface of each character, rushing certain narrative beats in order to give everyone their due within just under two-hour runtime. Had the film focused on a single character, Villamor’s trademark writing and directing style would have undoubtedly unearthed the best and worst of these people and would do it incredibly well but as an ensemble piece, we only get fragments of the bigger story. This is still a style and structure that Villamor has yet to continue to practice getting better at it.
Ultimately, the film as a whole is a gorgeous love letter to these women. Elevated by incredible performances all around – especially by Sta. Maria and Oineza – Midnight Girls has moments that will make you both laugh and cry. As the film just flows steadily on, allowing time to pass and letting the women grow within their profession and all its challenges.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Curious to see Irene Emma Villamor’s new direction? Experience the heart and sisterhood of Midnight Girls on the big screen. Find showtimes here.
Movie fans also get special screenings worth checking out, including the Top Gun 40th Anniversary return of Top Gun: Maverick and Ayala Malls Cinemas’ throwback presentation of the Filipino classic Bagets alongside the Vietnamese horror-fantasy film The Demon Prince.
From sharks and sea monsters to high-octane action and emotional drama, this week’s releases bring plenty of reasons to book that movie ticket. So what’s first on your watchlist?
Here’s your guide to the new movies and special screenings showing in cinemas this week.
Imagine being stuck on a sinking plane in the middle of the ocean. Now, add a frenzy of hungry sharks. After an international flight from LA makes an emergency landing, passengers must work together to escape the wreckage and the predators lurking below. Can they overcome their differences before the plane goes under? Aaron Eckhart, Molly Belle Wright, and Kelly Gale lead the cast in this horror-thriller.
A covert team of elite operatives emerges from the shadows when a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune. Their mission to recover it spirals into a dangerous contest of strategy, deception, and survival. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rosamund Pike star in this intense thriller.
Marine biologist Johanne arrives at a fish farm in Norway’s rural Vangsnes community by the fjord, where strange events and the brutal deaths of two teenagers suggest something far more terrifying hides in the depths. A colossal mythical creature with powerful arms awaits at the bottom in this action-horror-thriller starring Sara Khorami, Mikkel Bratt Silset, and Ingvild Holthe Bygdnes.
Set in Nagoya, Japan, the film follows four Filipina entertainers who form a close bond while navigating the realities of working far from home. Grounded and emotional, Midnight Girls explores friendship, sacrifice, and survival through deeply human stories. Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio star in this drama.
A film crew visits a reservoir to update road views and captures an unidentified figure on camera. What they encounter in the dark waters turns their simple task into a frightening ordeal. Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, and Kim Jun-han lead the South Korean thriller.
SEVENTEEN’s Tokyo Dome fan meeting heads to cinemas for a live viewing event that captures the excitement, performances, and fan interactions on the big screen. It’s a chance to experience the energy of the event alongside fellow fans in an immersive cinema setting. Ready for a concert experience without leaving the city?
When a vintage Jack-in-the-box is opened, its sinister clown figure begins displaying terrifying signs of life. Simple premise, unsettling atmosphere, and nightmare fuel for horror fans? That’s a dangerous combination. Would you open the box?
As part of the Top Gun 40th Anniversary, Top Gun: Maverick returns exclusively to SM Cinemas, giving fans another chance to experience Maverick’s high-speed aerial missions in theaters. Still one of the most thrilling big-screen experiences in recent years, this return is built for cinema sound and giant screens. Ready to feel the need for speed again?
Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Cinemas, together with Viva Films, offers a nostalgic double feature today featuring the classic Philippine film Bagets paired with the Vietnamese horror-fantasy The Demon Prince (Hoàng Tử Quỷ). Inspired by the Ly Dynasty and folklore, the latter brings ghosts, dark magic, court secrets, and human obsessions to life, starring Anh Tú Atus, Lương Thế Thành, and Hoàng Linh Chi.
Your Midweek Movie Fix Starts Here
Whether you’re after pulse-pounding action, emotional drama, horror scares, anime fun, or concert experiences, this week’s lineup delivers something for every movie mood.
Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity.com bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is just a click away!
Steven Spielberg is heading back to the genre that helped shape modern cinema as he unveils his newest science fiction epic, Disclosure Day, arriving in Philippine cinemas on June 10.
Written and directed by Spielberg, the film reunites the acclaimed filmmaker with screenwriter David Koepp, his longtime creative partner behind unforgettable blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Leading the star-studded cast are Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo, all set to bring Spielberg’s latest vision of mystery and discovery to life on the big screen.
Watch the Trailer for Disclosure Day:
A Return to the Wonders of the Unknown
For Spielberg, Disclosure Day marks a meaningful return to themes he first explored in his 1977 classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. While the new film stands on its own, it revisits humanity’s endless fascination with life beyond Earth and the questions that continue to haunt us decades later.
“During Close Encounters of the Third Kind, I would say to myself: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of this turned out to be true?’” Spielberg says. ”Almost 50 years later, I’m now thinking: ‘Wouldn’t be it be wonderful for us to actually know that all of this is true?’”
That curiosity has been with Spielberg since childhood. Recalling a formative memory, the director shares how a meteor shower sparked his lifelong obsession with the cosmos.
“I remember one summer, my dad took me out to look at the annual Perseid meteor shower when we were living in New Jersey,” Spielberg shares. “Overnight, I developed a real curiosity about what is happening up there in the stars, on some planet orbiting in any number of countless solar systems, and if one of them might have a civilization that was advanced enough to travel the universe.”
Truth, Secrecy, and the Modern World
Though packed with large-scale sci-fi spectacle, Disclosure Day also reflects many of today’s real-world anxieties. The film examines misinformation, hidden agendas, and society’s struggle to separate truth from manipulation.
“Disclosure Day is a movie about misinformation and the challenge of finding truth in a culture when powerful people have tools to blur the lines of fact and fiction, of what is real and unreal, in service of protecting and advancing their agendas,” Spielberg says. “It’s a movie that also asks questions about what we do with truth that expands our understanding of the universe in a way that challenges the beliefs that give us meaning, including religion.
The director also points to the lasting influence of classic conspiracy storytelling.
“The X-Files taught us that the truth is out there, but what happens when we find it? Can we accept it? Do we reject it? Will it bring us together or divide us further?”
At its emotional core, however, Spielberg says the film is ultimately about empathy and shared understanding.
I think Disclosure Day is a story about empathy as an extraordinary resource, and how it needs to be shared globally, with the entire world, not hoarded for self-interest or reserved for those closest to us.”
An All-Star Cast Powers the Sci-Fi Thriller
Academy Award-nominated actress Emily Blunt leads the ensemble cast alongside Josh O’Connor and Oscar winner Colin Firth. Joining them are Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo, adding even more depth to the highly anticipated film.
Combining emotional storytelling, timely themes, and Spielberg’s signature cinematic scale, Disclosure Day is poised to become one of the year’s most talked-about movie events.
Discover the truth when Disclosure Day opens in Philippine cinemas on June 10.
Movie lovers can look forward to an exciting cinematic lineup this May as Ayala Malls Cinemas, together with Viva Films, presents two standout films that offer completely different but equally memorable experiences, the beloved Filipino youth classic “Bagets” and the exclusive Vietnamese horror-fantasy feature “The Demon Prince.”
Launched on May 13, the pair of films gives audiences the chance to revisit an iconic local favorite while discovering a chilling new supernatural story on the big screen.
“Bagets” Returns to the Big Screen Through “A Rewind”
Bringing back the magic of classic Filipino cinema, Ayala Malls Cinemas continues its “A Rewind” initiative with Viva Films through the highly anticipated return of “Bagets.”
The iconic coming-of-age film stars Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, and Raymond Lauchengco, actors who became household names during the height of the 80s movie era. Decades after its original release, “Bagets” continues to resonate with audiences through its relatable themes of friendship, young love, growing pains, and self-discovery.
Filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable barkada adventures, the film remains a nostalgic favorite for longtime fans while introducing a new generation of moviegoers to one of Philippine cinema’s most enduring classics.
Starting May 13, “Bagets” will be shown in select Ayala Malls Cinemas branches nationwide. Tickets are priced at ₱180, with select cinemas such as Ayala Malls Legazpi and Ayala Malls Harbor Point offering rates as low as ₱99.
Moviegoers can also take advantage of the Red Carpet Mondays Buy 1 Get 1 promo available for both “Bagets” and “The Demon Prince.”
“The Demon Prince” Brings Supernatural Horror to Ayala Malls Cinemas
For audiences craving suspense and dark fantasy, “The Demon Prince” offers a thrilling cinematic escape filled with mystery and supernatural terror.
Directed by Tran Huu Tan, the Vietnamese horror-fantasy film stars Anh Tu Atus, Luong The Thanh, Hoang Linh Chi, and Rima Thanh Vy. Produced by CJ HK Entertainment in partnership with ProductionQ and distributed by Viva Films, the film will screen exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas from May 13 to 19.
Set in a secluded village haunted by fear and secrets, “The Demon Prince” follows Prince Thân Đức, a mysterious man born through forbidden sorcery. Arriving under the disguise of a healer, he slowly reveals a darker mission tied to the resurrection of a powerful demon and the fate of the villagers around him.
Combining eerie visuals, folklore-inspired storytelling, and intense suspense, the film delivers a gripping horror experience for fans of supernatural thrillers.
A Curated Big-Screen Experience for Every Movie Fan
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to elevate moviegoing experiences by offering a thoughtfully curated mix of timeless Filipino classics and exciting international releases.
Beyond the films themselves, patrons can enjoy premium seating, spacious legroom, immersive audio-visual quality, and convenient digital booking through Ayala All Access at www.ayalaallaccess.com.
Whether viewers are revisiting the unforgettable barkada moments of “Bagets” or preparing for the chilling twists of “The Demon Prince,” Ayala Malls Cinemas promises an entertaining and comfortable cinema experience for all.
Catch “Bagets” in participating cinemas nationwide and “The Demon Prince” exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas beginning May 13.
I don’t even remember the 2021 film Mortal Kombat, which Mortal Kombat II is the sequel. However, this latest release from the franchise leans so heavily into its video game lore and mode that you don’t need to have seen the first film (or even remember it) to follow the story. It’s not completely bonkers that it shifts gears into the level of camp; Mortal Kombat II is not taking itself too seriously, either. It knows its selling points: it has characters to present, action sequences to highlight, and brutal kills to show off that is reminiscent of the video game the whole IP is based on.
The story begins in the past, detailing how Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen) and Kitara (Adeline Rudolph) joined the side of the Outworld, led by Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). This piece of history explains how Outworld conquered the realm of Edenia. A decade later, Outworld is after Earthrealm, and Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) gathers his champions to prepare for Mortal Kombat to protect the planet. His champions include returning characters Sonya (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), and Cole Young (Lewis Tan). They travel to Earth to recruit a new champion: washed-up action star Johnny Cage (Karl Urban). While the tournament will decide the fate of Earthrealm, but there are things happening underneath the surface that threaten to change the outcome of the game.
(From left) Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, and Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Mortal Kombat II is a fast-paced fantasy and action-adventure film that feels thin on story, largely because it works too hard to give every character a chance to have their moment. Kitara begins the story and has the character with the clearest goal, yet she lacks a true character arc. Those arcs belongs to Johnny Cage and Kitara’s bodyguard and friend, Jade (Tati Gabrielle). However, the narrative is crowded: Liu Kang gets his moment, Kano (Josh Lawson) is resurrected and he gets a lot of screen time because his character is so fun and there’s a lot of plot going on in Shao Kahn’s group involving Quan Chi (Damon Herriman) and Shang Tsung (Chi Han). Consequently, the film never really feels grounded; Johnny Cage’s character development is often glossed over with a punchline, while Jade’s story is the most developed but her character is relegated to a supporting cast.
Adeline Rudolph as Kitana in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
And because this is Mortal Kombat, we see the return of Sub Zero/Bi Han (Joe Taslim) and Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada). Of course, they too have to have their moment.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Since the movie is really meant for entertainment and to deliver fan service, there’s quite a number of logical inconsistencies that I’m willing to forgive. However, what I’m expecting, though, is really good fight scenes which the film delivers inconsistently. I’m not that sure of Karl Urban’s ability to fight but his fight scenes are the ones that are the most heavily edited to try and hide the switching of a stunt double. Many of Rudolph’s fights (except the one with Johnny Cage) and that of Gabrielle were fun to watch but the real gem is the fight scene between Liu Kang and Kung Lao (Max Huang). It is fast, the choreography is stunning, the editing allows the viewer to still see the action, and it was dynamic without being overshadowed by the special effects. It’s this kind of fight scene that I hoped to see more of, yet there wasn’t a lot of it.
Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Because the film felt like it was intended for fun and fan service, the finale dragged on for quite a bit as two different storylines. In the form of two different fight scenes, The constant cutting back and forth between these two battles extends the action beyond what feels comfortable. But as one-character bows out, another takes their place, and the scene extends some more. It gets a little out of hand. Ultimately, Mortal Kombat II is chaotic, messy, has a lot of story inconsistencies or easy plot fixes, and the fight scenes are not at all balanced out. However, for serious fans of the lore, there is still a lot here to enjoy. The audience at my screening were obviously fans, taking the time to ask questions about where this character showed up and if what’s mentioned is part of the official story canon or not.
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
The tournament has begun! Grab your popcorn and catch the chaos at a theater near you. Check out the latest Mortal Kombat II showtimes here.
The legend of He-Man comes alive in an exciting new featurette for “Masters of the Universe,” where stars Nicholas Galitzine, Idris Elba, and the rest of the cast reflect on the beloved hero and the enduring impact of Eternia’s greatest warrior.
Watch the Featurette here:
For the cast, He-Man represents much more than raw strength and towering muscles. “He’s an amazing fighter,” one star says in the vignette, while another points out that beneath the fearless image is “a young kid” whose journey shapes the hero audiences know today.
Prince Adam’s Journey Begins
In the upcoming live-action adventure, Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) has spent most of his life far away from his true home. Sent to Earth as a child to escape the growing threat of Skeletor, Adam grows up living an ordinary life, disconnected from the kingdom of Eternia and the destiny waiting for him.
But fate soon changes everything.
When a trusted ally finds him on Earth, Adam learns that Eternia has fallen deeper into darkness under Skeletor’s rule. With the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance, he must finally embrace the power within and become He-Man.
A Powerful Return to Eternia
Directed by Travis Knight, “Masters of the Universe” brings the iconic Mattel franchise back to cinemas with large-scale action, emotional storytelling, and a fresh take on the timeless fantasy saga.
Joining Nicholas Galitzine in the film are:
Camila Mendes as Teela
Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms
Jared Leto as Skeletor
Alison Brie
Morena Baccarin
James Purefoy
Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
Charlotte Riley
Featuring Kristin Wiig as the voice of Roboto
Throughout the featurette, the cast highlights what continues to make He-Man resonate with audiences across generations — courage, hope, and the willingness to fight for what matters most.
The Battle for Eternia Awaits
With breathtaking visuals, larger-than-life battles, and an iconic hero at its center, “Masters of the Universe” promises an unforgettable cinematic experience for fans old and new.
In Masters of the Universe, director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Directed by: Travis Knight
Screenplay by: Chris Butler and Aaron Nee & Adam Nee & Dave Callaham
Story by: Aaron Nee & Adam Nee and Alex Litvak & Michael Finch
The QCinema International Film Festival has unveiled the five recipients of its 2026 QCShorts Production Grant, awarding a combined ₱3.5 million ($57,817) to promising Filipino filmmakers set to create bold and compelling short films.
Selected from a record-breaking pool of 395 submissions, this year’s projects reflect the growing diversity of Philippine cinema, featuring stories rooted in regional cultures, queer experiences, political realities, folklore, and personal identity.
According to QCinema artistic director and newly appointed QC Screen Commission executive director Ed Lejano, the selection process highlighted the increasing presence of regional filmmakers and genre-driven storytelling.
“What stands out, even when we were shortlisting, are the increasing number of films from the regions and works that are deeply rooted in genre,” says Ed Lejano, QCinema’s artistic director and the newly appointed executive director of the QC Screen Commission. “Many of the titles that stood out use filmmaking, narrative conventions, satire, and even myths as a way to make sense of the violence, extremism, absurdity, and gross injustice happening today.”
Five New Voices Receive QCShorts Support
The 2026 QCShorts grantees are:
Carla Pulido Ocampo – Agsangit Laeng ti Al-alia (A Ghost Can Only Howl)
Maki Makilan – Body Works
Toni Cañete – Maanaa Kanimo (With You)
Rodiell Veloso – Run Shirley Run!
Clister Santos – Sana’y Nandito Ka
Jason Tan Liwag, QCinema’s head of short film programming, noted that this year’s selections tackle themes of division, belonging, and emotional distance.
“This new batch of shorts all examine widening rifts between the individual and the family, between our bodies and beliefs,” says Jason Tan Liwag, head of short film programming. “Whether it’s about distant wars, fissures within communities, or personal alienation, we are committed to holding space for stories that are deeply political, regional, and quintessentially Filipino.”
Stories Rooted in Identity, Community, and Survival
Carla Pulido Ocampo – Agsangit Laeng ti Al-alia (A Ghost Can Only Howl)
“Agsangit Laeng ti Al-alia” Revisits Revolution and Gender
Written and directed by Carla Pulido Ocampo and produced by Lester Valle, Agsangit Laeng ti Al-alia (A Ghost Can Only Howl) is an Ilocano-language period drama centered on a young feminine herbolario who dreams of joining revolutionary fighters while struggling against his father’s deteriorating mental state.
Ocampo and Valle are no strangers to QCinema. Their previous QCShorts-supported project, Tokwifi, earned awards from QCinema, Cinemalaya, Gawad Urian, and FAMAS.
Maki Makilan – Body Works
“Body Works” Explores Love Beyond Transaction
Body Works, written and directed by Maki Makilan and produced by Earvic Noay, Patti Lapus, and Dodo Dayao, tells the story of a laid-off dishwasher who enters a paid romantic arrangement to survive, only to face unexpected emotional complications.
Makilan’s work often explores themes of migration, queerness, and displacement. Her films have screened in Cebu, Bangkok, and San Diego, among other cities.
Toni Cañete – Maanaa Kanimo (With You)
“Maanaa Kanimo” Blends Faith and Queer Identity
Writer-director Toni Cañete brings a heartfelt queer coming-of-age story through Maanaa Kanimo (With You), produced by Tin Velasco and Micah Tadena.
Set within a close-knit community disrupted by the disappearance of a Mama Mary statue, the film follows two sisters navigating questions of morality, identity, and faith. Cañete, who comes from Cagayan de Oro City, has previously won recognition from the CCP Gawad Alternatibo and the Mindanao Film Festival.
Rodiell Veloso – Run Shirley Run!
“Run Shirley Run!” Delivers Dark Comedy and Body Horror
Among the most unusual projects in this year’s lineup is Run Shirley Run!, a dark comedy queer body horror film written and directed by Rodiell Veloso and produced by Rajiv Idnani and Tomomi Furuyama.
Set in Mindanao, the story follows a suicidal manananggal whose body splits in two—one half longing for death while the other desperately clings to life. Chaos unfolds when aswang hunters and mischievous teenagers cross paths with the creature.
Veloso cites filmmakers Takashi Miike, Sion Sono, and Julia Ducournau as inspirations. He is also an alumnus of the Busan Asian Film School and Full Circle Lab Philippines.
Clister Santos – Sana’y Nandito Ka
“Sana’y Nandito Ka” Highlights Family Reconnection Through Animation
Completing the roster is Sana’y Nandito Ka, an animated slice-of-life drama written and directed by Clister Santos and produced by Leon Lopez and Alex Poblete.
The film follows a young man reconnecting with his estranged mother after six years apart. Santos, a multimedia artist and CIIT College of Arts and Technology graduate, previously earned acclaim for his short film Ili-Ili (2023), which premiered at the 38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival and won Best Animation at the CCP Gawad Alternatibo 2024.
Continuing the Legacy of QCShorts
Launched in 2016, the QCShorts Production Grant was established to support original Filipino storytelling through the short film format. Over the years, its grantees have gained recognition from major international festivals including Sundance, Berlin, Toronto, Locarno, Clermont-Ferrand, and Singapore.
Since its inception, QCinema has awarded ₱14.85 million ($245,237) to 56 short film projects from across the Philippines, showcasing a wide range of cinematic styles, languages, and perspectives.
The selection committee for this year’s QCShorts grant included Ed Lejano, Kints Kintana, Jason Tan Liwag, Philbert Dy, Iana Bernardez, Quark Henares, Venice Atienza, and Sam Manacsa.
Disney+ enjoyed a triumphant evening at South Korea’s prestigious 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards as stars from its acclaimed Korean originals Made In Korea and Low Life earned two of the night’s biggest acting honors.
Held in Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam District, the annual awards ceremony brought together the country’s brightest talents in film, television, and theater. Recognized as one of Korea’s most celebrated entertainment events, the Baeksang Awards once again highlighted exceptional performances and groundbreaking storytelling.
Hyun Bin Takes Home Best Actor for Made In Korea
Leading the evening’s celebrations for Disney+, Hyun Bin received the award for Best Actor for his commanding role in the gripping crime drama Made In Korea.
The 2025 Disney+ original follows Baek Kitae, a highly ambitious KCIA agent balancing a dangerous double life. While serving the government publicly, Kitae secretly oversees an illegal smuggling operation that helps him gain influence, wealth, and control. Intelligent and ruthless, he steadily rises through the ranks — until a determined prosecutor begins closing in on his carefully built empire.
Driven by intense rivalries, political intrigue, and high-stakes confrontations, Made In Korea quickly became one of the platform’s most talked-about Korean dramas.
Fans can also look forward to even more suspense as Made In Korea Season 2 arrives later this year exclusively on Disney+.
Lim Soojung Wins Best Supporting Actress for Low Life
Adding to Disney+’s successful night, Lim Soojung earned the award for Best Supporting Actress for her standout performance in Low Life.
Set in 1970s Korea, the thrilling series follows uncle-and-nephew duo Oh Gwanseok and Oh Heedong, two men constantly chasing opportunities to transform their lives. Their fortunes appear ready to change when rumors spread about a sunken treasure ship discovered off the Korean coast.
As rival treasure seekers emerge from every direction, the pair are pulled into a dangerous race filled with greed, ambition, and unexpected twists. Rich in suspense and adventure, Low Life has captivated viewers with its compelling story and dynamic performances.
Korean Storytelling Continues to Shine on Disney+
The major wins at the Baeksang Awards underscore the growing popularity of Disney+ Korean originals around the world. With captivating narratives, cinematic visuals, and award-winning performances, series like Made In Korea and Low Life continue to strengthen the global influence of Korean entertainment.
Both award-winning titles are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
