Sinag Maynila, the privately funded, non-profit independent film festival founded by Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng and Cannes International Film Festival award-winning director Brillante Mendoza, makes a comeback after a four-year hiatus. The return is made more significant as Sinag Maynila is partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture & Arts Office of Manila (DTCAM) to support Filipino filmmakers and invigorate the local motion picture industry.

Now on its 6th edition, Sinag Maynila will feature full-length films, short films and documentaries to be screened in select cinemas from September 4-8, 2024. The festival’s run in September falls under City of Manila’s Tourism month which looks to enhance the cultural landscape and tourism of the city.

“After taking a pause due to the pandemic, we are very grateful and thrilled to bring back Sinag Maynila,” declared Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng. “Our mission—summed up in our slogan—’Sine Lokal, Pang-International’, is given a boost with this historic, first-time partnership with the City of Manila’s Tourism Culture & Arts Office. We thank Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan who is throwing her full support and sharing their resources and network so that our filmmakers can tell the Filipino story.”

Since 2015, Sinag Maynila has been giving opportunities for Filipino cinema artists to showcase their talents and provide an alternative space outside the industry’s mainstream. Stars like Alessandra de Rossi, Elizabeth Oropesa, Janine Gutierrez, Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez, JC Santos, Angel Aquino, Aljur Abrenica, Joem Bascom, and innovative directors such as Zig Dulay, Lawrence Fajardo, Richard Somes, Adolf Alix Jr., Paul Sta. Ana, Jay Altarejos, Ralston Jover and many other Pinoy cinema creators have all found a home in Sinag Maynila.

“Sinag Maynila is here to give a voice to the Filipino filmmakers whose skill, creativity and ingenuity are definitely world-class,” said festival co-founder Brillante Mendoza. “We are heartened to present this opportunity anew. So much is going on and so much has changed in the last four years. We are certain our filmmakers have stories they are raring to share to the rest of the country and the world.”

Sinag Maynila 2024’s activities include a campus tour, a five-day festival proper, and a Gabi ng Parangal awards ceremony at no less than the iconic Metropolitan Theater.

Entries are being accepted until July 24, 2024. To submit, click https://bit.ly/SinagMaynila2024_submission

For more details visit the Sinag Maynila Facebook page.