A Full-Circle Moment for a Genre-Defining Franchise
More than two decades after redefining modern horror, Cillian Murphy and Danny Boyle found themselves side by side once again—this time at the world premiere of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Held at the BFI IMAX Theatre in London on January 16, the event marked a meaningful reunion that thrilled fans of the iconic 28 Days Later universe.
Left photo: Cillian Murphy strikes a pose at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” | Right photo: Danny Boyle take a photo at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
Murphy, who starred in the original 2002 film and now serves as an executive producer for the new trilogy, walked the red carpet with confidence. He joined the film’s cast, director Nia DaCosta, and writer-producer Danny Boyle, creating one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Watch the Official Trailer
Get a glimpse of the terror and tension here:
A New Chapter, A Darker Future
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple serves as the second installment in the 28 Years Later trilogy, expanding the haunting world first envisioned by Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. With DaCosta at the helm, the film pushes the franchise into more unsettling and emotionally charged territory.
The story follows Dr. Kelson (played by Ralph Fiennes), whose shocking discovery places him at the center of events that could reshape the fate of humanity. Along the way, Spike (Alfie Williams) encounters the deeply disturbing cult leader Jimmy Crystal, portrayed with chilling intensity by Jack O’Connell. As their paths collide, the line between survival and belief becomes dangerously thin.
Director Nia DaCosta interacts with fans at the world premiere of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”
Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas
With its powerful performances, intense atmosphere, and fearless storytelling, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple proves the franchise still has sharp teeth. Horror fans in the Philippines can catch the latest chapter now, as the film is currently showing in cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
Following directly after the events of 28 Years Later, the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, pretty much pulls back from the infected to the crazy people who have been forced to survive in a ravaged world. Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) shows a wide range of emotions as he makes contact with the Alpha (Chi Lewis-Parry). Through Kelson and Alpha’s interactions, we find vestiges of hope.
Meanwhile, Spike (Alfie Williams) has now joined the brutal group called The Fingers, led by Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). Spike’s storyline is where all the brutality and gore kicks in, as Jimmy and his gang (each member also named Jimmy), raid the surrounding camps, killing the infected with ease and torturing anyone who gets in their way.
Alex Garland’s screenplay with direction by Nia DaCosta, borrows themes from the first film, 28 Days Later, to explore the dark soul of human nature when faced with an apocalyptic situation. Jimmy Crystal’s gang eat up every word of his dark gospel, claiming that the infected are creatures of Satan and that Jimmy himself is the son of all that is evil. All of Spike’s innocence and warmth is slowly dwindling under such gruesome company.
The film highlights human nature’s tendency to rule with might once all agents of order have ceased to exert their influence. There’s an allegory here that harkens to current world events, though I may be overreaching.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures
On the other hand, Kelson’s attempts to connect and communicate with Alpha brings the franchise into a whole new chapter, echoing the messages of hope of the second film, 28 Weeks Later. This half of the film is filled with tenderness and, surprisingly, moment of great humor. The dread and fear is always hang over these scenes, but Fiennes infuses Dr. Kelson with such quiet power that we trust that he can find a way to calm the rage virus.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures
What is incredible about this movie (and the franchise as a whole) is how it keeps us guessing. I really enjoyed 28 Years Later for its sense of duality (as I mentioned in my review), and while this film also shares that same dual tone, its messaging is very different.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures
While 28 Years Later is about the role of parents during times of crisis, and how the youth must come of age too early during periods of stress and constant danger, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple dissects the duality of human nature. One path is set to destroy, remake the world in the image that they think the world has become; whereas the other clings to the things that make us human – knowledge, science, medicine, culture – and uses empathy to try and fix what is broken.
Everyone is pushing out strong performances, left and right. Erin Kellyman, one of the Jimmys who begins to question the veracity of Jimmy Crystal’s claims of being the son of Satan, is an arresting actress. Acting through the outrageous wig and the bursts of violence, she creates an almost safe space for Spike to remember what it means to be human. But make no mistake, she is very dangerous and deeply unpredictable.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple | Photo & Video Credit: Columbia Pictures
O’Connell and Williams also deliver strong performances that heighten the tension in their scenes together, with O’Connell providing both danger and charm. Lewis-Parry is a powerful presence who gets to do a lot more in this installment. But the real MVP of this film is Fiennes. We get to see more of Dr. Kelson and the kind of person that he is and was. He shifts from nurturing to little moments of whimsy that turn Dr. Kelson from an interesting character to an unforgettable one.
A follow-up to this movie is already in the works, but in all honesty, I feel that if the story ended here, it would still work. There’s a sense of finality to it that really highlights the best and worst of human nature. It’s a strong example of the genre and one that wonderfully breaks new ground.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thrills, terror, and a standout performance by Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson await in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Feel the fear, witness the gore, and catch the rare flashes of humanity. Check showtimes near you and see it on the big screen now.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when cult horror collides with razor-sharp comedy and relentless action—well, wonder no more. The official trailer for “They Will Kill You” is here, and it’s a gloriously twisted invitation into a night of chaos, carnage, and crowd-pleasing mayhem.
Produced by horror hitmaker Andy Muschietti (It, It Chapter Two, Mama) and directed by Kirill Sokolov, this horror-action-comedy promises outrageous kills, fearless performances, and a wicked sense of humor that refuses to behave. Everyone is welcome at The Virgil—staying alive, however, is another story.
Watch the Official Trailer:
A One-Night Stay That Turns Into a Nightmare
From New Line Cinema and Nocturna, They Will Kill You unleashes a high-octane survival story centered on a young woman trapped overnight inside The Virgil, a sinister hideout run by a demonic cult with deadly intentions.
As the clock ticks forward, the rules disappear. What follows is a savage battle for survival filled with epic confrontations, audacious kills, and wickedly dark humor that keeps the tone thrilling rather than grim. Dangling between terror and comedy, the film leans into spectacle—bold, brazen, and unapologetically fun.
Zazie Beetz Leads a Fearless Ensemble
At the center of the chaos is Zazie Beetz (Joker, Invincible), delivering a powerful, magnetic performance that grounds the madness with grit and attitude. She’s joined by an impressive cast that adds personality and unpredictability to every turn:
Together, the ensemble elevates the film’s twisted energy, balancing tension, humor, and explosive action with surprising ease.
Crafted by a Team That Knows Horror
Behind the camera, Kirill Sokolov teams up with co-writer Alex Litvak to create a cinematic experience that thrives on escalation and surprise. Produced by Andy Muschiettii, Barbara Muschietti, and Dan Kagan, the film is backed by a creative crew built for controlled chaos:
Every frame reflects a confident blend of style and savagery, amplified by music supervision from Andrea von Foersterand casting by Richard Delia.
When and Where to Watch
New Line Cinema and Nocturna present They Will Kill You, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film opens internationally on March 25, 2026, with a North American theatrical release on March 27, 2026.
So go ahead—feed your curiosity. The cult is waiting, the doors are open, and The Virgil promises a night you won’t forget… assuming you make it out. #TheyWillKillYouMovie
Some legends refuse to rest. Others return changed. In Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, the past doesn’t just resurface—it unravels everything it touches.
Following the record-breaking success of Evil Dead Rise, acclaimed writer-director Lee Cronin reimagines one of horror’s most enduring myths with a sinister, emotionally charged twist. Produced by genre heavyweights James Wan, Jason Blum, and John Keville, this chilling new film opens exclusively in cinemas beginning April 15, 2026.
The young daughter of a journalist vanishes into the desert without a trace. Years stretch on. Hope fades. Then, eight years later, the impossible happens—she is found and returned to her family.
What should be a joyful, healing reunion slowly transforms into something far more disturbing. As strange behaviors surface and buried truths claw their way into the light, the family realizes the child who came back may not be the one who disappeared.
Ancient forces stir. Old curses awaken. And the nightmare begins.
Presented by New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster, and Blumhouse, this Wicked/Good Production reshapes a classic horror icon into something bold, unnerving, and deeply human.
A Legend Reborn for the Big Screen
Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy opens only in theaters and IMAX® in North America on April 17, 2026, and internationally starting April 15, 2026.
Some things are meant to stay buried. This one refuses. #LeeCroninsTheMummy
More than two decades after the Rage virus first tore through Britain, the world of 28 Years Later has grown even more grim—and gripping. In 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, now showing in Philippine cinemas, survival no longer means running or hiding. It means finding meaning in the madness.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, this haunting sequel brings us face to face with the emotional aftermath of a world ravaged by infection—and introduces a different kind of hero in Dr. Ian Kelson, played by three-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes.
A Doctor Among the Dead
Dr. Kelson is not your typical survivor.
Instead of barricading himself away or hunting infected, he’s building something… monumental. Known as “The Bone Temple,” Kelson’s massive ossuary is both a sanctuary and a shrine—a tribute to the lives lost in the apocalypse.
“The Bone Temple reminds us that everything seems hopeless,” director Nia DaCosta says. “But at the same time, if you’re still alive, you can accomplish something meaningful with your life. For Dr. Ian Kelson, it’s building this monument to death, which inversely, is what gives him the energy to live.”
For Kelson, death isn’t the end—it’s a reason to keep going. Among the bones, he finds peace. In honoring the dead, he reconnects with life.
Watch the Official Trailer here:
When the Infected Are No Longer Just Monsters
Most survivors view the infected with fear and fury. But Kelson? He sees more.
One infected in particular—Samson, a towering, hyper-evolved Alpha—challenges everything Kelson thought he knew about the virus. While the world sees a predator, Kelson sees potential.
“We’ve seen Samson do monstrous things,” DaCosta notes, “but Kelson sees a lot more to him.”
This unlikely bond becomes the emotional backbone of the film—something raw, dangerous, and strangely moving.
Inside the Mind of the Infected
Fiennes describes this chapter of the trilogy as a deep psychological journey—one that blurs the lines between monster and man.
“The new film explores the theme of innate humanity – is it still alive in the soul, in the heart, and in the mind of an infected person?” he asks. “Are they completely corrupted? Or is there the possibility of something human still there?”
In The Bone Temple, the horror isn’t just physical—it’s existential. Are the infected completely consumed by Rage, or is something human still flickering underneath?
Meet Samson: The Evolution of Fear
Portrayed by Chi Lewis-Parry, Samson is no ordinary infected.
He’s faster. Stronger. Smarter.
Samson represents hope. When we met Samson, he was an apex predator committing monstrously violent acts. The mutation of the virus has had a steroidal effect on some of the infected, including Samson, turning him into a kind of super-infected.”
But it’s not just about power. Samson’s evolution hints at something more: awareness. He isn’t just reacting—he’s thinking.
“We understand that he is an intelligent creature and not just a mindless, rage-filled infected creature,” Lewis-Parry continues. “So, we tried to put a purpose behind the violence.”
A Bond That Could Change Everything
The connection between Kelson and Samson is nothing short of electric. It’s terrifying, yes—but also tender.
“The dynamic is fueled by Kelson’s loneliness, as well as his curiosity,” DaCosta explains. “It’s almost like one couldn’t exist without the other, and it’s a very potent combination. For Samson, the morphine brings them together in a way that’s initially terrifying – we’ve seen him rip people’s heads off! As the complexity of Samson’s thoughts and cognitive processes becomes apparent, Kelson recognizes this, leading to the development of a relationship between them.”
Morphine becomes the key to their interaction, offering moments of calm between them. But those quiet moments reveal something astonishing: Samson is thinking. Processing. Choosing.
As Kelson begins to see Samson as more than just a monster, the question arises: Could this bond lead to the key to ending—or evolving—the virus?
Brutal, Bold, and Unexpected
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple isn’t your typical post-apocalyptic thriller. It’s a character-driven, emotionally-charged meditation on survival, grief, and what it means to be human in a world that has forgotten what that looks like.
Ralph Fiennes commands the screen with a performance that is both haunting and hopeful, bringing gravitas to a role that could’ve easily been swallowed by genre clichés.
With stunning visuals, a gripping pace, and a bold script, DaCosta takes the franchise in a thrilling new direction—one that rewards fans and newcomers alike.
Now Showing in Cinemas Nationwide
Whether you’re here for the scares, the story, or the stunning performances, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple delivers on every front. It’s a raw, riveting continuation of a beloved series—it’s playing now in cinemas across the Philippines and distributed locally by Columbia Pictures.
Step into the world of Rage. Experience the evolution. Watch The Bone Temple today.
It’s New Movies Wednesday, and the mid-January movie calendar just got a whole lot more exciting. Opening in cinemas today are Greenland 2: Migration, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, A Werewolf Boy, The History of Sound, and The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. From world-ending survival stories and nerve-shredding horror to tender coming-of-age drama sweeping romance and animated family fun, this week’s new movies cover every possible mood. Whether you’re planning a serious cinema night or a lighthearted big-screen escape, there’s a fresh release ready to match your vibe.
Let’s check out what’s new on the big screen today.
Survival is only the beginning in this high-stakes sequel. After finding refuge in the Greenland bunker when the comet Clarke devastated Earth, the Garrity family faces their most dangerous journey yet. With resources running out, they must cross a shattered Europe in search of a new place to call home.
Gerard Butler returns in full survival mode, backed by relentless tension and large-scale spectacle. This is gripping, emotionally charged cinema that asks how far a family can go when the world has already ended once.
Why watch it now? Because big-screen suspense hits harder when the stakes are global.
The infected world grows darker in this chilling new chapter. Dr. Kelson becomes entangled in a shocking relationship with consequences that threaten humanity’s fragile future, while Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal spirals into an inescapable nightmare.
Anchored by haunting performances and an atmosphere thick with dread, this film leans into psychological terror as much as physical danger. Fans of smart, unsettling sci-fi horror will find plenty to hold onto here.
Why see it in cinemas? Because fear feels more intense when shared in the dark.
This tender drama explores connection, compassion, and the pull of human nature. A teenage girl moves with her family to the countryside and encounters a mysterious, feral boy living on their land. As she helps him learn how to live among people, a fragile bond forms, challenged by instincts that cannot be easily tamed.
Why watch it this week? Because smaller stories can leave the biggest impact.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, this lyrical drama follows Lionel, a gifted music student, whose life changes after meeting David at the Boston Conservatory in 1917. United by a shared love for folk music, their connection is rekindled years later through a letter that leads them on an unexpected journey through rural Maine to preserve traditional songs.
With Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor at its heart, the film blends romance, memory, and music into a moving reflection on love and legacy.
Why catch it on the big screen? Because its quiet beauty deserves space to breathe.
SpongeBob is back, bigger and bolder than ever. Determined to prove himself to Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob follows the legendary Flying Dutchman on a swashbuckling seafaring quest that takes him to the deepest depths of the ocean. Along the way, familiar faces and laugh-out-loud moments keep the adventure moving at full speed.
Colorful, silly, and packed with heart, this animated outing is perfect for families, longtime fans, and anyone who wants a joyful escape.
Why watch it today? Because some characters never outgrow the big screen.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Missed last week’s releases? No worries, these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:
From apocalyptic journeys and terrifying futures to heartfelt dramas and animated adventures, this week’s new movies cover every corner of the big screen experience. Catch Greenland 2 Migration, 28 Years Later The Bone Temple, A Werewolf Boy, The History of Sound, or The SpongeBob Movie Search for SquarePants starting today. So tag your crew, grab that extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-see films. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away!
A beloved universe opens a bold new chapter as The Legend of Hei II arrives with heightened emotion, exhilarating action, and stunning visual craft. The highly anticipated sequel reunites audiences with Hei and his companions, pushing their journey forward while deepening the themes of responsibility, balance, and compassion that defined the original film.
This time, Hei continues to train under his master, Wuxian, refining his spatial and metal abilities. While his powers remain unstable, their raw potential is undeniable. More importantly, Hei begins to understand that true strength goes beyond ability—it lies in how power is used, guided by empathy for both the human and spirit worlds. And just as his growth accelerates, unforeseen conflict disrupts the fragile harmony they seek to protect.
Watch the Official Trailer here:
Familiar Heroes Return With Fierce Momentum
Adding excitement to the sequel, Nezha storms back into action with his signature rebellious flair. His visually striking combat sequences bring intensity and speed, elevating the film’s adrenaline while reinforcing his dynamic bond with Hei. Each encounter crackles with energy, making his return a standout for fans craving high-impact action.
At the heart of the story remains Wuxian, whose warm and meaningful moments with Hei provide emotional grounding. However, peace is short-lived. A shocking attack on the Spirit Guild results in Wuxian being framed for the crime, casting doubt over his name and placing him under strict house arrest. As suspicion spreads, the question remains—will the truth be enough to restore his honor?
A New Ally Emerges
Stepping into the story is Lù Yě, a former apprentice of Wuxian and a composed, strategic Executor of the Spirit Guild. Partnering with Hei, she works to uncover the mystery behind the Guild attack and prove Wuxian’s innocence. With Wuxian restrained during the investigation, Lù Yě becomes Hei’s temporary guardian and mentor, offering guidance shaped by discipline and experience.
As their mission unfolds, Lù Yě’s past is revealed. Orphaned by war and stripped of her family, she carries deep resentment toward humans. Her journey becomes one of emotional reckoning, as long-held pain collides with unexpected bonds. Through Hei, she begins to confront whether healing and understanding can replace bitterness and loss.
A Sequel That Grows With Its Characters
The Legend of Hei II expands its universe with improved animation, richer detail, and heightened emotional stakes. Every character is given room to evolve, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with their struggles, hopes, and growth. The film balances high-energy action with quiet, meaningful moments that resonate long after the screen fades to black.
More than a simple continuation, the sequel invites viewers to rediscover the world of spirits and humans through a lens of healing, trust, and shared purpose. It is an experience that feels intimate yet grand, comforting yet thrilling.
Release Information
Brought to Philippine audiences by Encore Films Philippines and distributed by Warner Bros., The Legend of Hei II arrives in PH cinemas on January 21, 2026.
For updates and exclusive content, follow Encore Films Philippines on Facebook and Instagram @encorefilmsph.
SpongeBob is back – and this time, he’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with confidence in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, splashing into Philippine cinemas on January 14!
In his latest epic adventure, our favorite absorbent, yellow sea sponge sets out on a side-splitting, swashbuckling quest to prove he’s got what it takes to be the Big Guy. With his trusty pals Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward by his side, SpongeBob chases down the legendary Flying Dutchman in a hilarious underwater odyssey that dives deeper than ever before.
Meet the Newest Vibe: The Big Guy Dance Craze
SpongeBob isn’t just on a mission—he’s starting a movement. To celebrate the Big Guy Era, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants features a brand-new original track titled “Big Guy” by chart-topping rapper and lifelong SpongeBob fan, Ice Spice. “I grew up watching SpongeBob. I’m a huge fan,” says Ice Spice.
The track has sparked a viral dance craze on social media, inspiring fans young and young-at-heart to show off their best Big Guy moves. Think: confidence, flair, and a whole lot of SpongeBob swagger.
SpongeBob x Ice Spice: An Unlikely but Iconic Duo
Ice Spice doesn’t just deliver the movie’s anthem—she’s also lending her voice to a brand-new character in the film! And in a special behind-the-scenes video, she opens up about how the track captures SpongeBob’s fresh outlook.
“This song is called Big Guy,” says Ice Spice. “It’s just supposed to embody confidence and this new attitude [SpongeBob] has facing the world.”
You can watch both the Ice Spice featurette and the Big Guy dance invitation online now—just be warned: the beat willget stuck in your head (and your feet might start moving on their own).
With high-seas hijinks, unforgettable one-liners, surprise celebrity voices, and SpongeBob’s biggest glow-up yet, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is the must-watch family event of 2026. Whether you’re a lifelong Bikini Bottom fan or just in it for the vibes, this is one comedy-adventure you don’t want to miss.
Vice Ganda is a consummate performer and entertainer, and extends his range with equally proficient writer and director Jun Lana in Call Me Mother. The pair already struck gold at last year’s MMFF with And the Breadwinner Is…, but this time, they take it down the comedy a notch to push Vice Ganda’s dramatic range. There are still moments of pure comedy, some skits that are organically woven into the story but because they are infrequent, the humor is amplified and becomes even funnier when placed in-between serious scenes that really emphasize the film’s theme.
Call Me Mother follows the story of Twinkle (Vice Ganda), a top pageant coach who gives up her career to raise her mother’s ward. The young boy, Angelo (Lucas Andalio), grows up in Twinkle’s chaotic but loving family, feeling nurtured and loved on all fronts. When Twinkle receives a job offer to work at Disneyland Hong Kong with the arrangement that she can bring Angelo with her, she decides to finally formalize his adoption. But hits a complication with Angelo’s biological mother, Mara de Jesus (Nadine Lustre).
Mara is a former beauty queen and one of Twinkle’s former trainees. In exchange for the signature to speed up the adoption process, Mara negotiates for Twinkle to train her, as she wants to make another attempt at the crown; the one she lost when she fainted during the question-and-answer portion due to her pregnancy. As these stories often go, Mara meets Angelo, and something within her stirs.
Nadine Lustre as Mara in Call Me Mother | Image Source: ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema) FB
While the whole premise of Call Me Mother has all the trappings of a standard Filipino melodrama, Lana and his co-writers, Daisy G. Cayanan and Daniel S. Saniana allow surprising plot shifts that keep the film feeling different and fresh. Instead of going for the easy drama, the film takes its time to allow Mara to grasp what it is that she’s lost for having given up her baby ten years ago, and also highlights Twinkle’s sacrifices, hard work in raising Angelo, and how much she loves this boy.
Lucas Andalio as Angelo in Call Me Mother | Image Source: ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema) FB
Lana takes a more low-key approach to his direction, allowing the interactions between Twinkle and Angelo to really rise to the forefront, cementing the stakes of the film. He only becomes formalistic when the film shifts into its comedic gags, where all the punchlines really land. Often, these gags take the form of Twinkle’s rampant imagination, as she envisions the worst while Mara starts to get closer to the child she gave birth to.
Vice Ganda as Twinkle in Call Me Mother | Image Source: ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema) FB
It’s the restraint that really makes Call Me Mother stand out from what we’ve come to expect from a Vice Ganda film. We know they could have gone all out, but instead, it builds and builds upon the narrative so that it can explode into a confrontation scene in the latter half of the film, one that arrives unexpectedly – and is handled with such brutality – and another that we did come to expect and is executed spectacularly: the one between Twinkle and Mara, when all bets are off. Here, Vice Ganda is a firestorm of emotion, full of rage and righteous indignation. Lustre proves to be a generous co-actor, allowing Vice Ganda to own the scene and it’s probably what earned Vice the Best Actor award; as well as balancing the film’s comedic and dramatic shifts.
The film raises some very strong discussion points about the true value and weight of motherhood and opts for a safer, cleaner ending but one that holds true to our culture. Undeniably, it also takes a stand for all the queer people who have adopted children and shows that they have every right to be called a parent.
My Rating: 4 Stars
See why Call Me Mother is more than just a comedy, catch it in theaters now and witness a Vice Ganda performance that’s equal parts hilarious and deeply moving.
Building on over two decades of nurturing independent Filipino cinema, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. open the screens for submission to the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026.
The deadline for submissions is on or before 6pm of February 27, 2026.
The country’s biggest independent film competition is open to all Filipino filmmakers. Interested participants may submit a maximum of three (3) entries but only one (1) entry per proponent may be considered as a finalist.
Submitted entries must have been produced from May 16, 2025 to February 27, 2026. Short film entries that participated in other local and international festivals and competitions are qualified to join Cinemalaya.
Entries may be submitted ONLINE or OFFLINE. For online application, submit all requirements through: https://bit.ly/CM2026_ShortFilm_EntryForm. Requirements include a duly completed entry form, synopsis in English, a brief resume with 2×2 photo/s of the filmmaker/s, and the final work in MP4 format, with violator/watermark (for screening purposes only) and properly labeled with title, production company, address and contact numbers, production date, director’s name, and running time (which should not exceed 20 minutes including credits).
For OFFLINE submission, send entries to the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division office, located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Annex Building, Vicente Sotto St. corner Magdalena Jalandoni St., Pasay City.
For OFFLINE submission, film entry must be submitted on a thumb drive (USB), with the entry form, synopsis, and filmmaker’s profile. All must be submitted in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of the film, and contact details.
The Cinemalaya Selection Committee will shortlist 10 film finalists which will be screened at the 2026 Cinemalaya Film Festival on August 6 to 18, and will have the chance to compete for the coveted Balanghai trophies.
Since 2005, Cinemalaya has been committed to the development and promotion of Philippine independent film. At its core, it provides an avenue for the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With its call for submissions for the 2026 short film competition, Cinemalaya continues to invigorate the Philippine film industry by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers.
For full mechanics, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.
