(SPOT.ph) If there's anything we know for sure, it's that you never run out of things to do in Manila. Take for instance all the film festivals that showcase local and international screenings for movie fans throughout the year. The latest festival to hit the scene is the World Premieres Film Festival, which is now on its third year.
Running from June 29 to July 10, the 12-day festival is happening at the Cinematheque Centre Manila and partner cinemas at SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Greenbelt 3, the Shang Cineplex, and Uptown Cinemas.
This year, the festival will be screening local and international entries across 10 categories, including Main Competition, ASEAN Skies, Intercontinental, Out of Competition, Cine Verde, and more. We round up the Filipino films that you shouldn't miss.
Laut
Director: Louie Ignacio
Category: ASEAN Skies
Screening schedule: June 29 at 3 p.m. (Cinema 4 at Shangri-La Cineplex)
The film primarily revolves around the life of Nadia and her plight as a young bride. Along the way, it also exposes the life of a village uprooted from the seas of Zamboanga to the lahar desserts of Pampanga, while shedding light on their people's cultural traditions.
Beast
Director: Tom and Sam McKeith
Category: ASEAN Skies
Screening schedule: July 2 at 5 p.m.; July 5 at 7 p.m.; July 6 at 3 p.m.; and July 8 at 5 p.m. (Cinema 1 at Uptown Cinemas)
Set in the slums of Manila, a young boxer's life is changed forever when his father forces him to cheat in order to win a match that involves some nefarious side deals. When his opponent dies from injuries sustained from the match, the guilt-stricken boxer now has to face his father, the criminals involved in the fight, and his opponent's family.
Daughters of the Three Tailed Banner
Director: Gutierrez Mangansakan II
Category: Main Competition
Screening schedule: July 1 at 9 p.m.; July 3 at 5 p.m.; July 7 at 7 p.m.; and July 10 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 4 at Shangri-La Cineplex)
After the last male member of a family dies, its matriach attempts to salvage their future by looking for a suitable husband to continue the line of martyrs and warriors. Meanwhile, one of her daughters secretly works in a hotel after falling victim to an illegal recruiter who promised her a job as a nanny in Kuwait.
Curiosity, Adventure, and Love
Director: Sunshine Lichauco de Leon and Suzanne Richiardone
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: July 2 at 5 p.m.; July 3 at 5 p.m.; and July 4 at 5 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall); July 6 at 7 p.m.; July 8 at 7 p.m.; and July 9 at 9 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North EDSA)
This documentary tells the story of Jessie Lichauco, an American orphan who came to the Philippines alone in 1933 at the age of 18. It follows her fascinating life as she goes on to witness the birth of a nation, a cruel war, and occupation and reconstruction.
EDSA
Director: Alvin Yapan
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: June 30 at 8:30 p.m.; July 7 at 7 p.m.; July 9 at 7 p.m.; and July 10 at 5 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall); July 3 at 5 p.m. and July 5 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North EDSA)
Three stories all happening in one day unfold along the stretch of EDSA. An opportunistic businessman develops an unlikely friendship with a street kid. A teacher from the province attemps to haggle with a former OFW-turned-taxi driver. A snatcher tries to reform himself with the help of a nurse.
Ku'te
Director: Ronaldo Bertubin
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: July 1 at 6 p.m.; July 3 at 7 p.m.; and July 4 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North EDSA); July 7 at 5 p.m.; July 8 at 5 p.m.; and July 10 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall)
Ku'te revolves around the physical and emotional struggles of Len-Len, a girl with Down Syndrome, and the equally compelling story of her brother Emong who faces the challenges of raising a special child.
Iadya Mo Kami
Director: Mel Chionglo
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: July 2 at 8 p.m.; July 3 at 3 p.m.; and July 5 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall); July 7 at 5 p.m.; July 9 at 7 p.m.; and July 10 at 5 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North RDSA)
A priest who impregnated a former girlfriend is reassigned to a parish up in the mountains. As he tries to help solve a crime that he discovered, his mission might just lead him to the discovery of his own personal salvation.
Memory Channel
Director: Raynier Brizuela
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: June 30 at 6:30 p.m.; July 3 at 7 p.m.; and July 5 at 5 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall); July 7 at 7 p.m.; July 8 at 5 p.m.; and July 10 at 7 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North EDSA)
This film centers around the main character's anxiety and panic attacks that are triggered by retrograde amnesia, as she desperately tries to rebuild her distorted past.
Ringgo: The Dog Shooter
Director: Rahyan Carlos
Category: Filipino New Cinema
Screening schedule: July 1 at 8 p.m.; July 3 at 3 p.m.; and July 4 at 3 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM North EDSA); July 6 at 7 p.m.; July 8 at 7 p.m.; and July 9 at 9 p.m. (Cinema 6 at SM Megamall)
Ringgo is a 16-year-old boy who works as a dog shooter (a term used for the person who assists during breeding and mating of dogs). Things get complicated when he develops an unusual relationship with his boss, Bong, who identifies as a lesbian.
Tickets are priced at P100 at all venues unless stated otherwise. You can buy tickets at the respective venues on the day of screening. For the complete list of films and more information, visit World Premieres Film Festival's official website.