Cinemalaya: Props up artistic integrity, illuminates Filipino filmmakers' visions of nationhood

The cast and crew of animation film Iti Mapukpukaw starring Dolly de Leon (center).

Online influencers pose on the red carpet during the opening night of Cinemalaya 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has pushed the boundaries for creative expression in the last 19 years by avidly propping up artistic integrity and illuminating the Filipino filmamakers’ visions of nationhood.

50-plus shades of grey with Sunshine, Enzo and Raymond in "Malamaya"

What's in a title? In the case of the upcoming Cinemalaya 2019 competition film, "Malamaya," starring Sunshine Cruz, Enzo Pineda, with the special participation of Raymond Bagatsing, the title means a lot.

"Malamaya is a Tagalog term for the color of ash or gray," directors Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez explain. Danica, a producer and video editor, and Leilani, a soap opera writer and journalist, are making their full-length directorial debut with this sexy romance about love and art produced by Spears Films, ALV Films and Cine Likha.