Pagbutlak

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As CineMatahum 2025 opens its doors this October, audiences are invited to witness stories of struggles and triumps of the Western Visayas people.

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Every filmmaker has a story to tell — and this October, these stories take center stage through CineMatahum 2025, the University of the Philippines Visayas’ annual film festival of local creativity and regional storytelling.

Far from being just a film showcase, CineMatahum serves as a cultural platform that amplifies the voices of Western Visayan filmmakers. The event underscores the importance of stories rooted in community, tackling narratives that reflect the shared struggles, humor, and lived experiences of the Western Visayan people. Collectively, these works showcase how independent filmmakers are redefining storytelling from the provinces to the national stage.

The festival will hold screenings on October 15-16 at UPV Miagao Campus’ MILC and October 22-25 at UPV Iloilo City Campus’ Cinematheque, featuring a lineup that demonstrates the depth and range of regional cinema.

What to Expect

For the first time since its inaugural roll in 2022, CineMatahum is being made competitive, marking a new chapter in the festival’s growth. By introducing competition, CineMatahum evolves from a celebration of local stories to a much engaging arena that hones artistry, innovation, and storytelling prowess of emerging local filmmakers.

Here are eight (8) competing films of UP Visayas students under the Cine Kasilingan category:

Cine Kasilingan – Set A

1. Sa Dueom Nakit-an – dir. Donnie C. Delos Reyes

2. Pagtubos sang Tubuhan – dir.Krizelle Kate Blanza

3. The Ballads I Wish You Listened To – dir. Vic Arroyyo

4. Mumu –  dir. Cris Daniel Ramos

Cine Kasilingan – Set B

5. Mother at Sixty – dir. Maria Eleanor P. Javier

6. Burnt Pandesal – dir. Kurt Romulos C. Roldan

7. Sang Pagpanaw – dir. Jozhed Syned J. Reyes

8. Crumpled – dir. Christian Ron Nogales

You may also access other film sets under the CineBarrio and CineBanwa categories by visiting the official Facebook page of CineMatahum 2025.

Stories That Resonate

As CineMatahum 2025 opens its doors this October, audiences are invited to witness stories of struggles and triumps of the Western Visayas people.

Through every frame, the festival reminds viewers that local stories matter both as an art and a vital medium for expressions of identity, empathy, and belonging. By amplifying local voices, the festival strengthens the call for a more diverse and inclusive film industry — one that values stories beyond the mainstream media and celebrates the cultural richness of the regions.

In celebrating these films, CineMatahum continues its role as a torchbearer for regional cinema. Once again proving that in the hands of dedicated and passionate storytellers, the heart of the nation beats loudest close to home. Follow the official Facebook page of CineMatahum 2025 and join the movement to champion local and regional filmmaking— because every story from the region deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

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Art Antaran is a probationary member of Pagbutlak on its 51st year.