Media Giant Showcases Award-Winning Productions at Independent Film Festival

GMA Network is gearing up to make a strong presence at the 2024 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, showcasing a range of compelling films and documentaries through its various divisions. Leading the pack is the highly-anticipated film “Balota,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kip Oebanda and starring Marian Rivera as teacher Emmy. This thought-provoking movie produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Entertainment Group explores the challenges faced by a dedicated teacher amidst political turmoil during a Philippine election.

In addition to “Balota,” Cinemalaya will feature the world premiere of the digitally restored and remastered classic “Jose Rizal,” originally produced by GMA Pictures in 1998. This screening at the Manila Metropolitan Theater serves as a tribute to Philippine cinema’s rich history.

Further adding to the festival’s lineup is GMA Public Affairs’ debut investigative docu-film, “Lost Sabungeros,” directed by Bryan Brazil. This documentary delves into the mysterious disappearances of sabungeros, shedding light on a compelling and unresolved case from 2022.

Manila International Film Festival Best Picture “Firefly” will also be screened at Cinemalaya 2024 as part of the festival’s exhibition program. This coming-of-age road trip drama based on the original story of GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP Angeli Atienza and directed by Zig Dulay, narrates a moving story of the young Tonton (Euwenn Mikaell), who embarks on a journey to find the mystical land of fireflies based on his mother’s bedtime stories.

GMA Public Affairs is also proud to present a collection of critically acclaimed documentaries that showcase the diversity and resilience of the Filipino spirit under Cinemalaya’s “Gawad Programming.” These include the award-winning i-Witness documentaries Boat to School, Sisid sa Putik, Ambulansiyang de Paa, and Bawat Barya, which shed light on pressing social issues.

Further, GMA Public Affairs gave its support to the in-competition film “Alipato at Muog.” The movie is directed by JL Burgos and narrates the disappearance of his brother – activist Jonas Burgos. GMA Public Affairs provided archival footage of Jonas used in the film.

GMA Network’s participation in Cinemalaya 2024 further underscores its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Philippine cinema.

This year marks Cinemalaya’s 20th year, and screenings have temporarily moved to Ayala Malls Manila Bay following the ongoing renovation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.