SineBalangay, Butuan City (2026)

13/03/2026

Full House for SineBalangay 2026!

From February 25–26, 2026, SM Cinema 4 at SM City Butuan was filled with stories, voices, and passionate audiences who came to celebrate independent cinema. Every screening was a full house, and it was truly inspiring to see film lovers lining up and filling the cinema in support of Filipino and regional filmmakers.

To everyone who watched, waited in line, and shared the experience with us—thank you for being part of SineBalangay 2026. Your presence proves that the love for independent films continues to grow in Butuan and in Caraga.

See you again in the next voyage of stories.

03/03/2026

Salamat Kadiyaw for sailing with us!

Our hearts are full seeing our screening venues filled with students, artists, partners, families, and film lovers who witnessed the stories of SineBalangay 2026. You are the reason these stories matter.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this voyage.

Until our next sail!

01/03/2026

Bandage Poetry Sweeps SineBalangay 2026 Awards Night; Festival Celebrates Excellence in Regional Cinema

BUTUAN CITY — SineBalangay 2026 concluded in a grand Awards Night that honored the year’s most outstanding films and artists, gathering city officials, national cultural leaders, filmmakers, and partner agencies in a celebration of regional storytelling.

Present during the ceremony were City Mayor Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, City Councilor Hon. Victor Vicente G. Plaza, Dr. Katrina Ross Tan, Secretary of the National Committee on Cinema, and Atty. Karen Santiago-Malaki, Mindanao Representative of the National Committee on Cinema. Joining them were Jury Members Ed Cabagnot and Bagane Fiola, along with partner agencies including the Department of Trade and Industry, represented by Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera.

The ceremony opened with a solemn prayer and the Philippine National Anthem led by the Cantores Hermanos Sto. Niño Diocesan Choir. Cultural performances added vibrancy to the evening, beginning with the Butwaan Dance Ensemble performing “Ibugsay Balangay” by Caesura. The Solfed Tokada energized the audience with their Tukar Indigay-winning song, “Butuan Madiyaw Kadyaw,” while the Pure Strings Acoustic Duo delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Sine-sine” by Missing Felimon.

The night belonged largely to Bandage Poetry, directed by Ian Alfaras, which dominated the awards and was recognized as Best Short Film of SineBalangay 2026. The jury cited the film’s masterful construction of a dystopian reality where the terrifying notion of “culling the few to save the many” is framed as civic duty.
Ian Alfaras won Best Director for his expert control in balancing satire and sociopolitical commentary, and Best Editing for pacing that evoked the regimented rhythm of state propaganda. Claud Nhicolie Gildo and Renzo Cailing secured Best Production Design for their evocative world-building that portrayed a society shaped by bureaucracy, fear, and surveillance.

Hinangi Ako Hong Luthang also emerged as a major winner. Timothy Andrew Chua received Best Cinematography for purposeful visual storytelling that sustained tension between myth and political conflict, while Jufhel Lariba earned Best Actor for his restrained and emotionally grounded performance as a rebel caught between ideology and family.

The film was further honored with the Special Jury Prize for its bold and assured storytelling that transformed a localized struggle into a deeply lived human experience.

In the technical categories, Khukei Tutaan won Best Sound Design for Hilom, praised for its evocative and immersive audio perspective. Marc Montilla and Rafael Ian Azaraga took home Best Musical Score for Molotov Cocktail, recognized for a composition that moved from anguish to healing with seamless integration into the film’s rhythm. Christian Steven Dairo earned Best Screenplay for Hilom, commended for its tender and humane storytelling told through the perspective of a solitary dog.

Kershey Ababon won Best Actress for her powerful and emotionally resonant performance in Moved, while the Audience Choice Award went to Balitok, directed by Dimae Holzhauer.

With its compelling roster of winners and a ceremony marked by artistry and solidarity, SineBalangay 2026 reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for regional cinema — celebrating bold visions, technical excellence, and stories that continue to sail beyond time.

01/03/2026

Bandage Poetry Sweeps SineBalangay 2026 Awards Night; Festival Celebrates Excellence in Regional Cinema

BUTUAN CITY — SineBalangay 2026 concluded in a grand Awards Night that honored the year’s most outstanding films and artists, gathering city officials, national cultural leaders, filmmakers, and partner agencies in a celebration of regional storytelling.

Present during the ceremony were City Mayor Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, City Councilor Hon. Victor Vicente G. Plaza, Dr. Katrina Ross Tan, Secretary of the National Committee on Cinema, and Atty. Karen Santiago-Malaki, Mindanao Representative of the National Committee on Cinema. Joining them were Jury Members Ed Cabagnot and Bagane Fiola, along with partner agencies including the Department of Trade and Industry, represented by Assistant Regional Director Brenda B. Corvera.

The ceremony opened with a solemn prayer and the Philippine National Anthem led by the Cantores Hermanos Sto. Niño Diocesan Choir. Cultural performances added vibrancy to the evening, beginning with the Butwaan Dance Ensemble performing “Ibugsay Balangay” by Caesura. The Solfed Tokada energized the audience with their Tukar Indigay-winning song, “Butuan Madiyaw Kadyaw,” while the Pure Strings Acoustic Duo delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Sine-sine” by Missing Felimon.

The night belonged largely to Bandage Poetry, directed by Ian Alfaras, which dominated the awards and was recognized as Best Short Film and of SineBalangay 2026. The jury cited the film’s masterful construction of a dystopian reality where the terrifying notion of “culling the few to save the many” is framed as civic duty.
Ian Alfaras won Best Director for his expert control in balancing satire and sociopolitical commentary, and Best Editing for pacing that evoked the regimented rhythm of state propaganda. Claud Nhicolie Gildo and Renzo Cailing secured Best Production Design for their evocative world-building that portrayed a society shaped by bureaucracy, fear, and surveillance.

Hinangi Ako Hong Luthang also emerged as a major winner. Timothy Andrew Chua received Best Cinematography for purposeful visual storytelling that sustained tension between myth and political conflict, while Jufhel Lariba earned Best Actor for his restrained and emotionally grounded performance as a rebel caught between ideology and family.

The film was further honored with the Special Jury Prize for its bold and assured storytelling that transformed a localized struggle into a deeply lived human experience.

In the technical categories, Khukei Tutaan won Best Sound Design for Hilom, praised for its evocative and immersive audio perspective. Marc Montilla and Rafael Ian Azaraga took home Best Musical Score for Molotov Cocktail, recognized for a composition that moved from anguish to healing with seamless integration into the film’s rhythm. Christian Steven Dairo earned Best Screenplay for Hilom, commended for its tender and humane storytelling told through the perspective of a solitary dog.

Kershey Ababon won Best Actress for her powerful and emotionally resonant performance in Moved, while the Audience Choice Award went to Balitok, directed by Dimae Holzhauer.

With its compelling roster of winners and a ceremony marked by artistry and solidarity, SineBalangay 2026 reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for regional cinema — celebrating bold visions, technical excellence, and stories that continue to sail beyond time.

01/03/2026

SineBalangay 2026 Gathers Industry Leaders for Talk and Stakeholders’ Forum on Building Butuan as Creative Hub

BUTUAN CITY — The SineBalangay 2026 Industry Talk and Stakeholders’ Forum convened filmmakers, cultural workers, policymakers, and development partners for a full day of dialogue on strengthening the region’s creative ecosystem, in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

The morning session opened with filmmaker and festival programmer Ed Cabagnot, who delivered a talk titled “Film Festival as Cultural Ecosystem: Managing Creative Ecosystems.” Cabagnot emphasized the role of film festivals not only as exhibition platforms but as dynamic cultural spaces that nurture talent, build networks, and sustain creative communities.

Following this, filmmaker Ryanne Murcia shared her insights in “From Region to Industry: A Filmmaker’s Journey and Path Forward for Philippine Cinema.” Murcia reflected on navigating the transition from regional filmmaking to the national industry, encouraging local storytellers to anchor their narratives in place while aiming for wider audiences.

A panel discussion ensued, featuring Cabagnot, Murcia, and Festival Director Junlou Tordos. Moderated by Mr. Al Cagmat, the conversation deepened on sustaining creative ecosystems, fostering collaboration, and strengthening regional cinema through policy, partnerships, and community engagement.

In the afternoon session, Liza Diño, Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), presented “Quezon City’s Journey to Becoming a UNESCO Creative City.” She outlined the strategic programs, policy support, and cross-sector collaboration that led to Quezon City earning recognition under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, offering a framework that resonated with Butuan’s own aspirations.

The day concluded with a multi-sectoral panel discussion on “Building Butuan as a Creative Hub in Mindanao.” Joining Diño were Mr. Jun Piong of the Mindanao Development Authority, Ms. Arce of the Department of Trade and Industry – Provincial Office of Agusan del Norte, and Mr. Kevin Jay Hinaloc, Acting Department Head of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The panel explored strategies for aligning cultural initiatives, economic development plans, and institutional support to position Butuan as a rising creative center in Mindanao.

The Industry Talk and Stakeholders’ Forum highlighted SineBalangay 2026’s commitment not only to showcasing films, but also to cultivating dialogue, policy direction, and partnerships that will shape the future of Caraga’s creative industries.

01/03/2026

SineBalangay 2026 Opens with Star-Studded Ceremony and Premiere Night in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY — The SineBalangay 2026 Independent Film Festival formally opened on February 24, 2026, at the Residence Hall of Almont Inland Resort, gathering city officials, national agencies, filmmakers, and cultural leaders for an evening that celebrated regional cinema and creative collaboration.

Leading the distinguished guests was City Mayor Hon. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun, joined by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod: Hon. Victor Vicente G. Plaza, Hon. Rema Burdeos, Hon. Dindo Udarbe, and Hon. Carlo Sanchez, and Mr. Kevin Jay Hinaloc, Acting Department head of City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, who spearheaded the festival. The festival jury members, Bagane Fiola and Ed Cabagnot, were also present to mark the start of the competition screenings.

National and regional partner agencies showed strong support for the festival, including the Mindanao Development Authority, represented by Mr. Emel Lawansa and Mr. Ireneo Piong, Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Lorijane D. Sacote, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Cherry May G. Busa, President of the Caraga STI and ICT Development Council, joining the networking dinner, Mr. Mark Lemuel Garcia Vice President of Development Academy of the Philippines, also attended alongside invited guests, stakeholders, and the cast and crew of the 10 Official Entries in the Main Competition.

The afternoon commenced with a red carpet ceremony, setting a celebratory tone for the festival’s opening. This was followed by the formal Opening Ceremony, highlighted by a cultural performance from the Butwa’an Dance Ensemble featuring “Ani” by Grace Nono, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring heritage and contemporary storytelling.

The Premiere Night showcased the 10 official films competing in this year’s Main Competition, offering audiences their first look at the diverse and compelling stories from filmmakers across the region. The screenings concluded with a Filmmakers’ Talkback session, where directors and creative teams engaged in dialogue with viewers, sharing insights into their creative processes and the inspirations behind their works.

With strong institutional backing and an enthusiastic community turnout, SineBalangay 2026 opened on a high note, reaffirming its role as a growing platform for independent cinema in Butuan and Mindanao.

22/02/2026

🎟️How to Get Your FREE Ticket to SineBalangay Independent Film Festival 2026!

Watching is FREE — and here’s how you can join:
1️⃣ Go to SM Cinema Butuan
2️⃣ Look for the SineBalangay Registration Table
3️⃣ Fill out the Registration Form completely
4️⃣ The Secretariat will give you your ticket
5️⃣ Present your ticket at the Cinema Entrance

⚠️ Important: Do not lose your ticket!

After watching, you can vote for your favorite film under the Main Competition Section:

🖊️ Write the Title of your favorite film at the back of your ticket
📥 Drop it in the drop box at the Registration Table on your way out
Your vote will help your chosen film win the Audience Choice Award! 🏆

Watch. Support local cinema.

See you at SineBalangay 2026! 🎥

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