CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners of the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2026 (8th edition) with its awarding ceremony held last March 28.
“Pinikas,” a Leyteño film by Cris Fuego, is the undeniable frontrunner which took home seven major awards, including best film, best director, best actress for Angela Villarin, and best actor for Jade Makawili.
The two regional actors delivered authentic and knockout performances in this heartwarming story about love, family, survival, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Vince Tañada’s “Ang Bangkay” made a strong showing with key supporting and technical wins, while “Desperada” and “Sweet Escape” also scored one recognition for each.
The jury members who selected the winners were:
For the short films – FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna, Arvin Belarmino, and Harlene Bautista.
For the full length and documentary films – award-winning directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Zig Dulay, plus Shirley Lua (Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino).
Due to requests, Sinag Manila has been extended its screenings from March 30 to April 1, still at the participating cinemas: Gateway Mall 2, Eastwood, Venice, Uptown Taguig, and Lucky Chinatown.
Here’s the full list of winners:
• Best Picture: “Pinikas”
• Best Director: Cris Fuego for “Pinikas”
• People’s Choice Award: Vince Tañada’s “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Actress: Angela Villarin for “Pinikas”
• Best Actor: Jade Makawili for “Pinikas”
• Best Supporting Actress: Mercedes Cabral for “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Supporting Actor: Yasser Marta for “Desperada”
• Best Production Design: Cyrus Khan for “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Screenplay: Cris Fuego for “Pinikas”
• Best Editing: Jay Hernando for “Pinikas”
• Best Cinematography: Manuel “Andoy” Abanto for “Ang Bangkay”
• Best Musical Score: Marie Luise Calvero for “Pinikas”
• Best Sound: Alex Tomboc for “Sweet Escape”
• Best Documentary (Open Category): “Del Mundo” by Rommel Tolentino
• Jury Prize (Documentary – Open): “Mga Muni-muni sa Gitna ng Ambon” by Gio Gonzalves
• Best Documentary (Student category): “Di Lalim, Di Lalit” by Nicole Reyes
• 2nd: “Shalom” by Kiah Resurrecion
• 3rd: “Cemento” by Justine Borlagdan
• Jury Prize (Short Film – Student): “Duros” by Harvey Gozado
• Best Short Film (Student): “Lugud” by Jarno Malonzo
• 2nd: “Mga Unsa na Lang ta Ani” (What Will Happen To Us) by Keith Nemenzo
• 3rd: “Mga Ulol” by Vince Ivan Vesiete
Festival director is world renowned Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, with Mr. Wilson Tieng of Solar Studios Inc. as co-founder.
#SinagMaynila2026
