Inside Cinemalaya 21: The esteemed jury steering Philippine independent cinema

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival enters its 21st year, anticipation builds not only for the groundbreaking films in competition but also for the distinguished individuals tasked with determining who will sail away with the prestigious Balanghai trophies.

This year’s Main Competition jury brings together five industry luminaries whose expertise spans acting, directing, writing, and film criticism: actor and director Christopher de Leon, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Pepe Diokno, film critic and journalist Mark Schilling, educator and screenwriting head Sophia Wellington, and screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto. Each juror contributes a unique perspective and wealth of experience that collectively uphold Cinemalaya’s mission to champion excellence and originality in Filipino independent cinema.

The Main Competition Jury

Christopher de Leon, often hailed as the King of Philippine Drama, has been a fixture in Philippine film and television for over five decades. With more than a hundred acting credits across period, romantic, and thriller genres, he has earned eight FAMAS Awards, multiple Urian, Luna, and MMFF honors, and numerous lifetime achievement awards, including the Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

Pepe Diokno, an internationally recognized director, producer, and screenwriter, made his debut with Engkwentro (2009), which won both the Lion of the Future Award and the Orizzonti Prize at the Venice Film Festival. His subsequent works—Above the Clouds (2013) and Kapatiran (2014)—further solidified his global reputation. Beyond cinema, Diokno has made his mark in advertising through UxS and continues to develop new projects under Kapitol Films.

Mark Schilling, a veteran film critic and journalist based in Japan, has been reviewing films for The Japan Times since 1989 and covering the Japanese film industry for Variety since 2005. As program advisor for the Udine Far East Film Festival, Schilling has curated retrospectives highlighting significant eras of Japanese cinema. His books, including The Yakuza Movie Book and Art, Cult and Commerce: Japanese Cinema Since 2000, underscore his authority in the field.

Sophia Wellington brings over two decades of experience as a writer, educator, and script consultant. Having taught at NYU Tisch Asia and now serving as Head of Screenwriting at the London Film School, she has mentored a diverse range of filmmakers worldwide. Wellington has led screenwriting workshops across Asia—including for the Cinemalaya Institute—and remains dedicated to nurturing emerging voices in global cinema.

Michiko Yamamoto, known for her award-winning screenplays such as Magnifico (2003), Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (2005), On the Job (2013), and Honor Thy Father (2015), has long been at the forefront of Filipino storytelling. A collaborator at Reality MM Studios with Erik Matti and Dondon Monteverde, Yamamoto’s works have premiered at prestigious film festivals including Berlin, Sundance, Cannes, and Venice.

NETPAC Jury: Honoring Asian Cinema

Complementing the Main Competition is the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) jury, which recognizes exceptional contributions to Asian filmmaking. This year’s panel includes film and theatre director Loy Arcenas, multidisciplinary artist Ina Feleo, and self-taught filmmaker Pradip Kurbah.

Loy Arcenas, celebrated for his works Niño (2011), REquieme! (2012), and Ang Larawan (2017), has built an acclaimed career both in Philippine cinema and on international stages through his association with the Ma-Yi Theatre Company in New York.

Ina Feleo is a versatile artist whose career spans dance, acting, writing, and directing. A winner of multiple acting awards including the 2007 Cinemalaya Best Actress for Endo, Feleo continues to balance mainstream and independent projects while pursuing her passion for storytelling across disciplines.

Pradip Kurbah, a pioneering voice in Khasi-language cinema from Meghalaya, India, has won multiple National Film Awards for works that elevate regional and indigenous narratives. His 2025 film The Elysian Field (Ha Lyngkha Bneng) achieved international acclaim, winning top honors at the Moscow International Film Festival.

Cinemalaya 21: Continuing the voyage

Cinemalaya 21 officially opens on October 3, 2025, with a red-carpet gala and the screening of Kurbah’s award-winning film The Elysian Field. The festival runs until October 12, with screenings at Red Carpet Cinemas by Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex 18.

For more information, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and www.cinemalaya.org, or follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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